Page 57 of Reckless Vow

I yelp before my mind registers that the velvet baritone isn’t a threat. Despite all my inner conflict, it washes over me like a comforting blanket. Whiplash, anyone?

Baldo stands in the entrance to the sitting room, leaning against the door frame. Darkness blankets his impressive stature, but something tells me his casual stance is just a mirage.

He steps forward and his set jaw confirms my assumption.

“Jesus, you scared me. I thought you were in your room.” Why do I lead with an accusation?

“I had an interesting evening that required a nightcap.” He raises the glass with amber liquid.

He’s not mocking or ridiculing me, but I almost wish he would. It would be so much easier to squash all my feelings and recalibrate if he was an asshole right now. Just like my exes.

I guess I’ll just have to face this head-on. “Look, I’m sorry I ran away. It was a shitty thing to do.”

“That depends on your reasons for that escape.” He steps closer, his face soft with concern, but also determined to get answers.

His earlier dominance flickers through my mind, and I want to be strong, but I take two steps back.

He’s still a foot away, and my body tingles with recognition and need for him. Maybe sending money to immoral, illegal, horrible causes isn’t such a bad idea. Fucking Granny.

“Look, Baldo, this was a mistake,” I blurt out.No, it wasn’t.Something is seriously wrong with me.

He narrows his eyes, his face unreadable. “That’s the story you’re going with?”

He doesn’t believe me. Well, that makes two of us.

“Yes.” A lie is the safest option. “And I’m sure you agree that sex only makes our problematic situation even more complicated.”

“No, Brook, I think we’re grown-up adults who are stuck together for a year, and we should untangle the complications.”

“Well, maybe I’m not that grown-up,” I lash out.

Definitely not a grown-up.

I regret my reaction immediately, but before I find the words to correct my course or apologize, because that would be the mature thing to do, Baldo shakes his head and puts his glass down on the counter.

Oh, and I’ll never be able to look at that counter again.

“You’re right, it was a mistake. Good night, Brook.”

He leaves me in the kitchen.

Yet again.

And again, I deserve it.

* * *

I fucked up big time.

Celeste

Yay. That’s great. Finally.

Saar

@celeste, she didn’t fuck, she fucked UP

Celeste

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