Page 26 of Fractured

Ambrose had picked up a napkin at some point, and instead of wiping his hands, he wound it between his fingers. “I’d have to agree with that. If I follow your line of thinking, it’s not any specific thing that’s evil, but the symbol for each person that makes them perform evil acts. Because nothing is evil at the root of it, right?”

Some people were, but I didn’t want to get into that now. “Exactly. No one thing is evil on its own. It’s what it represents to someone else.”

“And blueberries, such a harmless, unassuming fruit…” he mused quietly. “Then what’s your good? What’s the one thing in your life that’s brought you more happiness than anything else?”

I wanted to sayyou. Or Kenzo. Or even Atticus or Saint, because I was ready to throw all my carefully crafted rules out of the window for them. That had to mean something good, right? But I went with a much more tame answer. “My cello.”

He sat forward. “You play?”

“I do.” I finished off my slice of pizza and guzzled the last of my beer.

“Would you play for me?” His interest in my craft warmed my core. I’d never given anyone their own solo performance before, but you know what? I needed all the practice I could get anyway.

“Hold on.” I hopped up, making sure to set the pizza box on the cushion so it didn’t tumble to the floor. It only took a few minutes to arrange my chair and music stand in the open space of the living room.

Sitting down with my bow and cello, I steadied my breathing and glanced at Ambrose to see what he was thinking. Both of his feet were firmly on the ground, leaning toward me as if he couldn’t wait to hear the music, a rapt expression on his face.

Without any announcement, I began to play my solo piece. I’d been practicing this piece in all my spare time, adding my own flare where I thought I could get away with it. It was a solo after all, so I didn’t have to worry about harmonizing or coordinating with anyone else.

The whole piece was over too soon. I immediately went into a different song, something happier from a few years back. Every time I managed to glance at Ambrose, he was watching me as if he were in the presence of angels. And I thrived on his energy.

That was the thing about Ambrose—he grounded me to the present, and there was something addicting about that. I wished I could keep him.

“Bravo,” Ambrose cheered and clapped as my last haunting note died down.

“Thank you.” I grinned as I put everything back in its place.

“What do I have to do to see you play again?”

I paused. “Come to my shows. Support the local orchestra.”

That seemed like the last thing he expected. “You mean you do this professionally? Wow, I’m not surprised at all after that performance. Lilith, my dear, you just secured your biggest fan.”

He caught me as I walked by and tugged me down in his lap.

“Hello, biggest fan.” I tried and failed not to sound out of breath. His hands on my hips were like hot brands claiming me for him and him alone.

Ambrose raised a hand and used his forefinger and thumb to capture my chin. With a sureness that excited me, he tipped my face down and closed the distance between us. He kept his gaze locked with mine as he sucked my top lip in his mouth, then his tongue traced my bottom lip. I was just a participant in this slow, tantalizing kiss, and it built a fire that his other hand stoked while kneading my hip in a rhythmic motion.

If I died right now, for this one moment, I’d have no regrets.

He groaned and pulled back while wrapping both arms around my back and hugging me to him. “You’re dangerous, Lilith. You really are the poison I can’t help but chase.”

I loved his statement, even as I hated it. I didn’t want to be the poison.

Something of my thoughts must have showed on my face, because he shook his head. “You misunderstand. You’re only dangerous because I know the fall for you would be inexplicably short. And even as I’m falling now, I don’t want to stop it.”

My heart soared, but logic seared my tongue. “You can’t fall for me, Ambrose. You don’t even know me. And I won’t make any commitments. I can’t.”

His understanding gaze undid me. “That’s fine. Live your life, date who you want, do what you want. Just let me be a part of it. I’m happy as long as I can keep you close.”

It was my turn to shake my head, although mine was much more vehement. “You’re talking nonsense. You can’t know what you’re asking for, and I definitely can’t believe you mean it.”

Was I scared? Exhilarated? Both, actually.

“Let me worry about that.” His words were soaked in conviction.

“You’ll leave at some point. I know you will.”

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