Page 30 of One Last Wish

“Ever?” Darce tilted his head at me. “Are you saying you’ve never...you know.” He thought I was avirgin. Oh, this was classic gold!

“Had sex?” I finished his sentence, giving him the best come to bed eyes I could muster. Judging by the way he shuffled in his seat, it might have worked. “I’ve had sexplentyof times. I just never bring men back here.”

“Why?”

“I don’t enjoy the attachment. I like to fuck and run.”

“How romantic.”

“I don’t wantromance, Darce. I get horny and need sex. It’s as simple as that.”

“If that’s the case, why do you read all those fantasy books? Most of them have a love story in them.”

“Books are different. They’re not real life. The love in those books doesn’t exist.”

“That’s a bold statement, Alora.”

“Can you prove me otherwise?” Darce was lost for words. “I’ve been thinking about that living deal you set me.”

“Oh, really?” Darce’s full attention was on me now. “What did you decide?”

“There is this candlelight Orchestra concert downtown in a few weeks and I was wondering if you’d go with me?”

“What about asking Theo?”

“It’s not adate. I want to try your theory of doing things that I enjoy.”

“Okay.” Was that a yes? Wow! I didn’t think it was going to bethateasy. “If it’s not a date, I don’t mind doing anything with you.”

“If I go to this concert with you, will you tell me why you don’t like being touched?” Darce gave me a small smile.

“That was the deal, wasn’t it? You startlivingand I’ll starttalking?” I was definitely getting the better end of this deal. “Let’s get these dishes washed. Aren’t we meant to watch a movie now while eating a slice of pumpkin pie?”

“I hate to admit it, but that sounds fun.”

“Fun? Careful, Alora. That light will come back in your eyes if you’re not careful.” I wanted to slap his arm, but knew I couldn’t. I gave him a scowl instead.

I didn’t realise how late it was when we sat down. It was early evening. Darce and I picked an action film, but my eyes wouldn’t stay open. By the time we were halfway through, I was fighting a losing battle.

“You don’t have to fight it. I can go,” Darce called from the chair. I was wrapped up in a blanket, lying on the sofa.

“No,” I yawned, “I’m not tired.” My eyes were already closing again as I heard his soft chuckle.

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IWAS WEIGHTLESS, FLOATINGtowards my bedroom. Gently, my back hit the mattress and I felt myself being surrounded by a duvet.

“Rest now,” a voice called. I felt fingertips stroke the side of my face. “I will never allow anything to happen to you.” The softest touch caressed my lips. I willed myself to wake up—to see if this was really happening—but I was too deep in sleep. “I will always keep you safe.”

Lips pressed against my forehead for a split second.

“Sleep, Alora,” the voice commanded.

I obeyed.

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