Page 85 of Twilight Mask

“Did you take his offer?”

“Neutrality,” I say, rolling the word around my mouth. “You think that’ll work?”

“I think it’s Simon’s way of saving face.”

“I told him to fuck off.”

She rolls her eyes. “No, you didn’t.”

“I know.” I lean in and kiss her. “There’s only one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“I live in a condo.” My eyebrows raise. “Your sculptures won’t fit.”

She bursts out laughing and throws herself at me. We kiss hard in the kitchen, and her clothes come off before long. It’s like we can’t help it. All my relief explodes out on her, and I’m licking her nipples, biting her lip, fucking her against the island, until we’re both lying spent on the couch.

“A house,” she says, damp with sweat, slightly pink from exertion, and more beautiful than ever.

“What?”

“I’ll buy a house. I’m rich now, you know.”

“I’m rich too. We’ll buy it together.” I kiss her neck. “I love you, Laura. You know that?”

“I figured it out.” She’s beaming as she kisses me back. “I love you too though.”

“How long before your family starts meddling in our life? A few days? A few weeks?”

She snorts and shakes her head. “I’m honestly surprised Elena isn’t here right now asking a thousand questions.”

“It’s okay, you know. I mean, I’m happy you’re close with them. I’m not going to stand between you and the people you care about.”

“Even though you want to kill them all?”

“Well.” I raise my eyebrows and shrug. “Maybe just Simon.”

She laughs and we stay like that on the couch together. Possibilities spread out around us. Potential futures, potential joy. I want to experience it all—but mostly I want to experience her.

Yeah, I could stay right here forever.

Actually, I could stay wherever she is, for as long as she’s there.

Chapter 42

Laura

“Hello, Laura. Did you miss me?”

Jackal’s standing in front of the bed. Behind him are two black boxes wrapped with black bows. A shiver of excitement runs down my spine.

“Yes, I missed you.”

“Good girl.” Jackal doesn’t move. He watches me, head cocked, his face hidden behind the mask. My Marco. My Jackal. Two boyfriends packed into one. “It’s time to play a game.”

“Will it hurt?”

“It might. Does that scare you?”

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