Page 99 of Rainstorm

Ariel’s words sound again in my head. ‘Be careful what you wish for… ‘.

I am more confused than ever. Why is he dragging his heels about selling the house when we’re about to divorce anyway? Why is he insisting on seeing me before he’ll sign the papers? It’s not as if I was the one that started divorce proceedings, was it?

What is this stupid game about?

What plans does Chase have in his head?

Damn man is driving me crazy.

Mad as a hatter.

???

On Friday at the agreed time, with the keys of what is currently still my house in my hand, I hesitate as I stand in front of the house. My courage fails me this time, and I don’t have the nerve to go through the same door that I used to use every day. Because this time I’m going to be like a stranger coming here for the first time, to a place that does not belong to me.

Because I have to get used to the fact that very soon this will no longer be my house.

Damn, how I loved living here.

I can’t forget all the time and love we put into this place to make it ours.

With the emotions that we created with the paint on the walls.

With every touch.

With every inch of the beautiful wooden floor.

But it’s only bricks and mortar after all, I tell myself. It should be easy to let it go, close the door to leave behind the life you built.

You didn’t think it was yours forever, did you? Foolish dreamer.

Before I can put the key in the lock, Chase opens the door, and I’m fucked, completely screwed when I see the way he looks at me with those blue eyes that I’ve always loved so intensely.

The fire I see reflected in them burns me, just like it did the first time. The force is still there, it hasn’t been smothered.

It’s rippling, calling to me, gravitating around him, and I stand rooted to the spot.

Chase takes my arm and gently guides me in, as if I were blind. Maybe it’s seeing him still so handsome that has me acting so stupefied. And fucked up, because this man is clearly up to something and I know it involves me. As we move into the house, the air changes, my pulse accelerates, and I feel as if I’m heading for the slaughterhouse.

My intuition has not failed me.

Mr. Suave is trying to butter me up. No way, Jose.

I attempt to get Chase to relinquish his iron grip on my elbow, but he doesn’t let go. Instead he forces me around and pushes me up against the dining table.

As I said, a lamb to the slaughter.

Then he crushes his mouth against mine in a savage kiss, an attack without quarter, and when I don’t immediately pull my lips away, Chase bites them gently.

Oh God, what can I do? This man is pure fire that consumes me.

“Why do you resist? Why do you have to be like this? Why do I have to chase you and play these games just to get you here alone with me?” he demands.

I’m breathing hard, and I open my mouth to speak, but before I can say anything, he’s already there, continuing his sensual assault. This man knows how to kiss, and he does it with such mastery, I am totally under his control, but somehow I also feel safe.

It’s a rare combination.

The man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with.

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