Page 220 of By His Play

I don’t know if it was the exercise or just an hour with a friend, but the weight that was pressing down on my shoulders as I entered the building had lifted.

I was more than grateful.

As I walked to my car, I placed an order at one of my favorite takeout places, and after picking that up just over ten minutes later, I locked myself in my apartment, poured a glass of wine, and enjoyed my meal.

Of course, thoughts of Kieran are never far from my mind. Especially when I look up and find my smeared handprints on my windows.

My stomach knots and heat shoots straight to my clit as I picture us standing there last night.

It’s so vivid.

My small body trembling and desperate as he held me exactly where he wanted me. As he used me exactly as he wanted to.

Desire sits heavy between my thighs as I keep my eyes trained on the exact spot we were in last night.

I’m so lost in my memories that I startle when my cell buzzes next to me.

I give myself a moment to calm down before I reach for it. But the minute I glance at the screen, it all comes crashing back again.

The shock of seeing his name on my screen means I open the message before my brain kicks in.

Kieran: How is your date going?

“Shit,” I hiss, aware that he’ll have seen that I’ve read it.

I didn’t have any intention of continuing with the lie about tonight, but reading a message so quickly when I should be enjoying the company of another man really says it all.

Kieran: You lied to me again, didn’t you?

My heart slams against my ribs as I try to figure out how to respond.

I did. I lied to him. But I had my reasons.

Fear. Fear was my reason.

Before I get a chance to think of anything, he starts typing again.

Kieran: I think we need to talk, don’t you?

His question doesn’t calm my racing heart.

I agree, we do need to talk.

But what if I’m not ready to hear what he has to say?

What if I’m too scared to say the things I want to say?

Effie: Yes.

Kieran: Wow, your date must have really worn you out if that’s all you can say.

Effie: I wasn’t expecting to hear from you. You surprised me.

Kieran: You love it when I do that *smirky emoji*

Effie: Do you have any window cleaner?

Kieran: Why?

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