Page 42 of Something Blue

My phone chimes again and I can’t resist. I pick it up to read his message.

Celso: Meet me somewhere. We can go for coffee. We can just talk. I promise I will behave.

I bite down hard on my lip. Don’t do it, Neve. Don’t do it -

But it’s too late. I’ve already hit send.

Me: Pier seven. The one near the big red lighthouse.

Celso: I’m on my way, angel.

Fuck. What am I doing? Oh my fuck this isso bad.

I push the car into gear and head towards pier seven. My heart is fluttering with a thousand butterflies, my stomach is a tight knot of excitement. I haven’t felt this way since my first crush in junior high. Tingling and happy. He makes me feel so wanted. So desired.

He makes me feel like he would do anything to win me over.

And right now - even if it’s for today - one stupid choice - I need it. I need it more than anything.

Keeping an eye on my review mirror to make sure no one is following me, I don’t need some asshole reported grabbing photos of me secretly meeting Celso, I take the long way to pier seven.

By the time I arrive Celso is already there, leaning against his car, casual and cool, looking as sexy as ever in a pair of jeans and a tight black t-shirt that hugs his body and shows off how sculpted he actually is.

I park and he opens my door for me.

“Hi gorgeous.” He says seductively, holding his hand out for me to take.

I let him help me out of the car, but he doesn’t let go of my hand - instead he tugs me right up against his chest. He slips his arm around my waist and grabs the back of my head - and he kisses me. My brain is screaming at me not to do this, but my body is melting against his. I’ve been going through so much. I’ve been drawing in stress and worry and media and tension - and suddenly all I feel is calm.

His kiss is like a blanket of silence and safety that gets wrapped around me. His arm is like a weighted security locked around my body. His touch is a warmth I am so desperate to have.

His lips move against mine and I forget everything else.

It’s only this.

Only now.

Celso breaks off the kiss and leans back to stare into my soul with this gorgeous blue eyes.

“You promised you would behave.” I whisper.

He chuckles, stepping away from me completely. My body cold where he is no longer pressedagainst it. “I did. I promised that didn’t I. Sorry.” He grins.

I want to reach out and pull him back towards me, but I don’t. I’m already playing with fire. I can’t be throwing gasoline around.

“There’s a little taco stand around the corner from here. Walk with me.” He says, holding his hand out. I hesitate for a moment before I place my hand in his.Just for today, Neve. Because you need this. You are allowed to feel this, only for today.

I’ve never spent proper time with Celso before. Not alone, not one on one. I’ve never really taken the time to get to know him - for obvious reasons. Firstly, he is my best friend’s brother. Secondly, he is a murderous, dangerous criminal from the underworld.

But this afternoon I have to admit that I’m surprised.

Maybe it’s because I’m so desperate for attention - but he is warm, caring and genuine. He makes me laugh and to my utter shock, he seems sensitive and giving.

I don’t know if he’s fantastic at faking things to get what he wants - or if I’m seeing a side of him, I never knew existed. Either way, I go with the flow and let myself be lured by him.

Only for today.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

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