Page 102 of The Devil Can Be Kind

I lifted my chin to look up at the peaceful expression on his now sleeping face. He looked more boyish in his sleep, happy even.

Even if it’s just for now.

With that thought, a cool sense of dread and premeditated rejection sunk beneath my skin, permeating my bones.

I was in too deep—cared too much.

Whether it felt right or not, it was a path that would inevitably lead to pain.

Yet, I couldn’t quite bring myself to regret the choices I had made that led me to this moment. I knew that the odds of escaping this situation with my heart intact were slim to none—I just didn’t care anymore.

I pressed my lips to his chest and closed my eyes, trying to dispel the impending sense of helplessness consuming me. I refused to fall asleep, trying to live the moment with everything I had.

I knew that one day I would most likely give anything in the world to have it back.

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

ADALYN

Iwoke the next morning tangled amongst the bedsheets with my muscles aching and sore. Marco was notably absent from the bed, but his smell still clung to me and saturated the morning air.

Tendrils of rejection slivered in my chest looking at his now empty space and I tried my best to push them away. I had expected this. Now I had to live with the consequences.

The clock on the nightstand showed the time was still early, but knowing any attempt at sleep would be futile, I decided to face the day.

Despite the morning sun, heat wafted through the balcony doors, so I took a quick shower and threw on a bikini determined to spend the day by the pool.

I tugged on a sheer kimono and some sandals before padding out to the gardens and relaxing into one of the loungers. I wasn’t there long before one of the staff came over with some orangejuice and a selection of foods. I declined the food but accepted the drink, too uneasy to have much of an appetite.

I didn’t know how the day was going to play out, especially not when I was expected to meet Marco’s mother at the wedding reception later.

I slipped on my shades and tried to ignore the unease that still lingered in my stomach.

When the sun’s rays beat down with an increased ferocity, I took off my kimono and undid the knot of my bikini top. Letting them fall to the floor beside me.

The last thing I need is tan lines.

With my earbuds in and my favorite band blasting away, I dove in and out of consciousness, feeling the effects of last night’s lack of sleep and uhm…exertions.

I wasn’t sure how long I had been drifting in and out for when I felt a shadow stretch across me. The lack of sun cooling my skin instantly.

When I glanced up, I was met with Marco’s narrowed eyes, and I could see his mouth moving.

I pulled my headphones out of my ears. “What?”

In a clear display of frustration, he gripped his hip in one hand and rubbed an angry hand across his face simultaneously with the other.

I couldn’t help it as my eyes flicked to his crotch and a flutter of anticipation erupted in my stomach remembering what he had felt like last night. What he had murmured into my ear as he thrusted into me.Oh, shit.

I bit my lip and forced myself to look away, immediately grateful for my sunglasses.

“Why are you naked?” He demanded, gesturing with his hand toward my exposed breasts.

“I’m sunbathing,” I said simply, not understanding his tone.

He sighed in exasperation, “There are people everywhere and your fucking tits are out. Put your top back on. Now!” He reached down to grab my bikini top and threw it at me.

---