Page 32 of Fractured

It was an innocent question, but it still made my blood run cold as I froze. Lifting my gaze to his, I did the only thing I could think of that wouldn’t ruin the moment.

I lied.

“No. What about you?”

He sat back and stretched his legs out until his feet touched mine. A genuine smile spread across his face. “A lot actually, all in the surrounding areas. Remember that niece I told you about? She’s one of four nieces and three nephews. I’m the only boy among four sisters. My mom raised us all, so you can imagine in a house full of women, I learned some things.” His grin turned mischievous. “Like how to draw a bath and make frozen meals.”

I dropped my gaze to the table, trying not to think too hard about Randolf while sharing a nice meal with Saint. I could reach out to someone, but they had all been so distraught, I didn’t want to bother them. Someone would contact the orchestra when there was an update.

“Okay, I can see small talk is not what you need right now. How about we finish up, then we’ll lie down and watch a movie. Is that okay?” He studied me with an intense gaze, probably to make sure I was really okay with him being here in my space.

If only he knew why I went to the supermarket today…

I managed to get half of my food down before I called it quits. That must have been good enough for Saint, because he nodded and cleared the dishes away. “I’ll take care of this. Can you pick a spot to watch a movie and I’ll join you in a minute?”

“What kind of movie?”

“Anything.”

Going back to my bedroom, I turned on the TV and picked a trending comedy that was streaming. I doubted either of us would be paying attention. Just not for the reasons I would have expected when I finally got him here in the bedroom.

The opening credits started rolling as I turned down the covers and climbed in. It was only a few minutes before he joined me, so I didn’t even have to pause the movie. He climbed on top of the covers, sliding one arm under my pillow.

“Is this okay?” he whispered against my temple.

Closing my eyes and enjoying the comfort he provided, I nodded. “This is just what I needed. Thank you.” I turned my head, and my lips barely brushed against his. He didn’t move back, and neither did I, choosing to stay in that intimate position.

“You don’t think this is weird, right? Me coming home with you today?” A note of worry came through in his question.

“No. I think you’re a good person. Maybe too good for me.” He started to pull back, but I caught the back of his neck to keep him right where he was. His warm breath centered me as we breathed each other’s air. “Thank you.”

Then I kissed him.

Saint draped one arm over my stomach as I pressed my lips tighter to his. It was more of an affirmation that he was here and with me than a move to seduce him. And he seemed to understand that.

I pulled back and settled against his chest. He left his arm around me, cocooning me in his warmth. It wasn’t long at all before I drifted off to a deep, dreamless sleep.

Hours later, after the sun had already set, I woke to Saint gently shaking my shoulder. He’d already disentangled himself and was sitting on the edge of the bed.

“My Uber is here. I left my number on the kitchen table. Text me when you get up so I’ll have yours?”

I would. But I was still so tired, I just rubbed my face against the pillow.

“I’ll take that as an agreement,” he said, and I swore I could hear the smile in his voice. “I’ll lock the bottom of the door on my way out. Bye, Lilith.” He kissed my forehead and was gone.

Distantly, I heard the door shut, but I was already on my way back to sleep.

I wanted to keep Saint too. If I was honest, I wanted to keep them all.

Nine

The wind is strong today. - September 7th

I had a date.

I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d ever gone on a date. In fact, I was positive I’d never been on one. And it was a weeknight date. Did that say this was more serious than a weekend date? Or more casual? Harper would know, but I hadn’t told her about it the few times we’d been able to text or chat.

She was unusually slammed, and her business had started to take off. It seemed word of mouth really was gold, and she was getting calls left and right from referrals. I was happy for her, even if I didn’t get to see her as much. Although, I’d been too much a coward to tell her what Kenzo had said about Brett.

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