Page 30 of Heartless Sinner

No.

I won’t do that. I shouldn’t, and it adds to the magic of the fantasy.

Better to have the memory as it is—perfect.

I do wonder who he is, though. I think I’m right about him being no mere bartender.

It doesn’t matter. He made me feel alive for one night. That has to be enough.

I allow myself one last look at Mr. Dreamy before I disappear, knowing I’ll never forget him.

Remembering him is the price I have to pay.

Chapter Seven

Micah

The sunlight filtering through the hotel's gauzy curtains stirs me awake. My hand reaches across the silk sheets, seeking her warmth before my eyes even open.

Empty.

The space beside me is cold, like she was never there at all.

I sit up, the sheet pooling at my waist, and scan the quiet pristine room.

I can tell from the stillness in the place and that cold silence in the air that the beautiful angel I had in my bed is gone.

Fuck.I’m my own worst enemy for falling asleep.

I glance at my watch and see it’s past midday. She could have left hours ago.

But what did I expect?

It was a one-night stand. We both knew that.

While that wasn’t my first, I was her first, but I’m sure she knew the drill.

No awkward morning-after conversation, no exchange of numbers we'll never use, no more contact. Leaving made things simple, uncomplicated.

Leaving was also for the best. It was clear she’s not from my world. A world filled with darkness and danger.

I’m about to become the head of a powerful crime family in the Sicilian mafia.

I have no business dragging an angel like her into my world, so having a one-night stand with her has to be enough.

I just didn’t want her to leave. The universe must have a real twisted sense of humor.

Here I am, needing to find a wife, and I meet this woman I can’t have.

She was the only woman to interest me in years, and I don't even know her name.

I drag my hand down my face as the ghost of her touch lingers on my skin. The memory alone makes my blood run hot.

I shake my head free of her image and try to compose my thoughts, but it’s not happening.

Maybe it’s because she’s not the kind of girl you just forget.

I swivel around so my feet touch the ground and I gaze out at the city through the windows.

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