Page 18 of Moonlit Temptation

“Good?” I parroted. Why?

“Yeah.”

We lapsed into tense silence, tucked away in a forgotten corner of the pub, staring into each other’s eyes.

I licked my lips and Saint followed the movement.

Clearing his throat, he remembered we were holding shot glasses.

“Happy birthday, Madelayne.” He raised his shot between us, creating distance. “Make a wish.”

I quirked a brow. “A wish on a quick fuck of a shot?”

“Sometimes the best memories can come from a quick fuck.” He clinked our glasses before I could argue further.

As I downed the shot, I wished for this night to never end.

“Now what?” I asked Saint.

“That depends. What do you want to do?”

The answer came easy.

“Show me your city, Saint.”

London was beautiful at night. All the lights and noises. How the buildings reflected against the River Thames like twinkling fairy lights strung up on a string.

It felt magical, the air full of possibilities.

We walked along the river until Saint guided us down a little alley that no light touched, only the stars.

In the darkness, I reached out and grabbed his hand. Our fingers didn’t entwine, but we held hands like childhood friends, palms together.

He walked us down the alley with the ease and confidence of a person who knew exactly where he was going.

I loved being outside. Unlike the rest of my family who preferred the comforts of air conditioning, I would spend hours, if not the whole day, outside. From skateboarding to reading under trees with my toes in the grass.

There was something about connecting with nature that calmed me.

Plus, the more time I was outside, the less I’d have to be in a cold, quiet house where memories of my mother were forgotten.

My jaw dropped when we reached the end of the alley and ended up on a quiet little street with tall trees and brick row houses. We walked along the sidewalk, no longer holding hands but walking close enough for our arms to touch.

Saint was so tall compared to me, even with my combat boots adding an inch or two to my five-foot-five frame. He still towered above me.

“What’re we doing here?” This was beautiful, sure, but when I asked him to show me his London, I expected something more…well, exciting.

“Anyone ever teach you patience?” He gave me a glance.

“Ever met my father? The man has zero patience.”

He chuckled, but it quickly died off. “I’m sorry about how Archer ditched you for him.”

“Why? I’m not.” And I wasn’t. Not anymore. “You’re much better company than Archer.”

This time when Saint laughed, it was more genuine, full-bodied. “Shit, you’re good for my ego.”

I ducked my head to hide the smile on my lips as my insides soared.

---