Page 62 of One Last Wish

“Oh, how wonderful! Yes, that’s a great idea.”

“You take these two books to the cashier and tell them Alora is letting you use her discount code.”

“Thank you. Merry Christmas!” the customer beamed, making her way downstairs.

When I looked down the end of the aisle, Darce had disappeared. Was this all a game to him? I walked under the skylight and looked up. It was starting to snow, and gathering on the corners of the skylight. It would be a magical walk home later. With a sigh, I stepped past the intricately carved, wooden pillars. Just before I descended the stairs, hands encircled my waist and pulled me into one of the hidden nooks.

Darce pinned his body against mine, trapping my arms behind my back. With one hand, he stroked the side of my face. I wanted to yell in protest, but he wastouchingme. When he ran his thumb across my lips, they parted slightly.

“Are you going to kiss me or not?” I panted, watching him study my face for the longest moment.

“I shouldn’t,” he whispered, but was already lowering his head towards me. His lips were gentle against mine at first. His hand cupped my chin, tilting my face up to his so he could claim more of my mouth. When I gasped, sweeping my tongue to meet his, Darce let out a low groan. He deepened the kiss as his body pushed harder against mine, until I couldfeelhim against me.Oh, sweet mercy!Darce craved me the way I wanted him. “You need to make me stop,” he groaned, his lips moving down my neck. “Please. Make me stop.”

“I...I can’t...” I yearned. “It feelstoogood!”

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the taste of you on my tongue.” He was licking slowly down my neck as he spoke. “Or the vision of your body arching towards me when I hit that sweet spot inside you.”

“Why did you leave then?” His hand was under my work shirt, making small circles across my stomach.

“I can’t get lost in you, Alora. Not yet.”

“Not yet?” Now seemed like a damn good time to me.

“Someone is coming,” he whispered against my ear, freeing me from his hold. A customer walked past, smiling sweetly at us. How the hell did he know someone was coming when he had his back to everything?

“How did you...”

“You need to go on the date with Theo on Thursday,” Darce interrupted, looking up at the skylight.

“Like fuck I do!”

“For once, can you do as you’re asked?” Pinching the bridge of his nose, Darce looked back at me. Worry lines appeared on that beautiful face of his. “If I told you it might be the only way to keep you safe, would you believe me?”

“Is this about Nyx?”

“Nyx?” Darce looked perplexed. “Why would you think any of this has anything to do with her?”

“Look, I don’t know if the two of you have some unfinished business, but she is clearly the girl you’re hung up over. If I’m confusing you, be honest with me. Don’t drag Theo into all of this. We know the guy likes me, and as much as his stalker ass annoys me, I don’t want to intentionally hurt him.”

“You think Nyx and I...?” His eyes were wide and he couldn't finish his question. Darce was thoughtful for a few moments. “Go on the date to humour me.”

“Why?”

“I’m a dangerous bet, Alora. I’ve told you this before.”

“Yes! Yes! So you keep telling me! If I go on thisonedate, will you shut up about it so we can finally talk aboutthis?” I pointed between the two of us. “I don’t chase men, Darce, butyouare driving me insane!”

His eyes looked sad. “Yes, Alora. After your date with Theo,ifyou want to talk to me aboutus, I’ll answer any questions you have.”

“I have no idea why this damn date is so important to you, butfine!You have a deal.” I held my hand out to shake on it, but he surprised me again by pressing his lips quickly, but softly, against mine.

“It’s for the best,” he whispered against my mouth before moving away from the hidden nook area.

My mind felt like there was a whirlwind inside. I couldn’t keep up.

What was Darce’s deal with this date?

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