Page 95 of A Temporary Forever

“What can I say, I’m not just a pretty face,” she quips, her nails scraping up my back, sprouting goosebumps in their wake.

“You see, black swan? And you were worried I have nothing to gain from this arrangement.”

I don’t tell her I’m gaining way more than I ever imagined. And while my expectations were pretty low—even on the negative side—the reality’s snuck up on me with a vengeance.

The most unexpected, fiery, green-eyed surprise I never knew I needed in my life. And I’m going to make the best of it.

While it lasts.

Chapter 26

Celeste

Saar

I’m quitting my job.

Cora

Oh, no, is the shoot that bad?

Saar

I don’t mean the shoot, I mean I’m done with modeling.

Me

Do elaborate.

Saar

I hate it. I’m hungry, angry, exhausted, and most of the time abused.

Me

What happened?

Cora

OMG What’s going on?

Saar

Sorry, I’m just tired I think. Imiss you.

“You really didn’t have to drive me, Peter.”

“Mr. van den Linden insisted you use the car when he doesn’t need it, which is happening a lot lately.”

It’s been four weeks since we christened Caleb’s new office thoroughly. I will never look Roxy or anyone at Merged in their eyes again. And yet, I don’t regret any moment, touch or moan.

Since that day, however, Caleb has been working. Working more, and stealing too few moments with me.

I wish we had more time for each other, but with my renewed work permit and his workload, we’re both too busy.

To Caleb’s credit, even under immense pressure to announce his first win at Merged, he’s found time to see me—and fuck me—at least three times a week.

Either he sneaks into my shower in the morning, or sends Peter to pick me up and get me to wherever he just finished a meeting, or we squeeze in a lunch in his office—no food included.

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