Page 76 of A Temporary Forever

“You deserve that.” I take a step up and turn to kiss her. “This is what you do to me. This is who I became after you cast your spell on me. My wild grew unhinged. My carnality has turned deviant. When I’m around you, my animal breaks all the cages and destroys all leashes. I hope you’re ready for the consequences.”

Chapter 21

Celeste

Cora

I really need to fire Lily.

Me

You haven’t done it yet?

Cora

She moved to NYC to become an actress and she has no other prospects.

Me

Shit, but she can’t be destroying your business.

Saar

I’ll talk to Finn, he might be able to help.

Cora

Andfast, please.

“Okay, I think we can add that number at the beginning of the second act. See you tomorrow,” Leon bellows, while we all yawn and groan from the rigorous rehearsal he’s just put us through.

“The tyrant is grateful today, we should toast to that,” Jose whispers in my ear as we move backstage.

I chuckle and yawn again. “I’m exhausted. I can’t possibly go out tonight.”

“Traitor.” Jose bumps his hips against mine, but winks.

I shrug, stifling another yawn. I might have spent my night at the Park Avenue condo, but I certainly didn’t sleep. It felt like a good idea to get away from Caleb.

I didn’t mean to taunt him with that. In fact, I was sure he would welcome having me out of his hair. Out of his space. Out of his sight.

But the out-of-sight didn’t work for me, because he remained on my mind. The. Whole. Fucking. Night.

At dawn, realization hit me. I’ve been acting like a victim. It took me that long, sleepless night to acknowledge Caleb made no promises.

Yes, he could have acted with more courtesy the following morning. But we both needed time to adjustand process, and with Mia around, we didn’t have the space.

Still, I was wrong about it all. He didn’t turn his charm down because he was done with me. He freaked out—even hated—that he wasn’t.

I hope you’re ready for the consequences.

Am I? The question has been on my mind all day. Would I willingly dive into a situation that screams heartbreak? I shouldn’t.

And therein lies the problem. I want to.

It’s like Caleb’s orgasms robbed me of my self-preservation skills, my sanity, and my reasonable judgment. Like having fun with Caleb van den Linden is more important than protecting my heart.

Like we somehow connected, and he’s now willing to play longer than usual, and I’m content to let him.

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