Page 83 of Burn With Me

Marcus’ face goes pale and his jaw drops. We’ve danced around this for years. Too many years. And I’m fucking tired of it.

“Maybe I like sex, Marcus,” I continue. “Did you ever think of that? Maybe fucking Isaac does something for me. Maybe it gives me a little bit of freedom. At least he doesn’t fucking lie to me.”

“He’s definitely lying to you, Rori. Don’t be fucking—”

“What?” I demand when he stops. “Don’t be fucking stupid?” I guess.

He presses his lips together and refuses to say anything. That’s all the answer I need.

“It’s good to know what you think of me.”

“Fuck—Rori, don’t take it the wrong way.”

“How am I supposed to take it?” I ask. When he doesn’t answer, I nod. “Right, then. I’ll see you later, Marcus.” I turn to go, only pausing when I reach the car and my fingers close around the driver’s side handle.

“What about Damien?” Marcus' question is pressing.

I shake my head. “Figure it out yourself, Marcus. Hell, let her burn in the mess of her own making. I don’t know if I even care anymore.”

Everyone always chooses to lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want. At the end of the day, everyone considers everyone else possessions. Friends. Lovers. Family. It doesn’t matter. I slam the door behind me and start up the car, speeding out of the lot, and ignoring Marcus standing there as I pass him.

It itches at me to call Hel. To tell her off and to tell her to mind her own business, but instead, I direct my attention elsewhere. I direct it to Isaac, steering my vehicle in the direction of Hotel Theós.

38

RORI

Isaac Icari is an enigma. One second he’s burning hot—a threat, a weapon pointed straight at my heart. The next, he’s cool. He’s soft and comforting and everything I’d ever wished a man would be towards me. I don’t know which is the real Isaac, but I’m going to find out.

If anything, the conversation with my brother made it clear that someone needs to make a decision, and that someone is me. No one likes the thought of Isaac and me together and that should be a warning to me.

I press down harder on the gas, powering through a light that flashes gold and then red just as the top of my car speeds beneath the heavy swing of the yellow form. I’m angry. I’m confused. I’m seeking a release for all of this pent up energy inside of me.

What’s the real reason I’m going to Isaac right now?I shake my head as that question forms in the back of my mind. I’ve been avoiding him for a reason. The reminder of why sits heavy on my breasts, warmed by my own skin.

He’s crazy. He’s obsessive. He’s hot and cold. Isaac is a confusing powerhouse that drives me insane and makes me question everything I’ve ever believed about men and relationships. When I pictured my life four years ago, I would have thought I’d find a nice guy—maybe a jock, maybe a business nerd—but whoever it was, it would’ve been someone who didn’t torture me upon our first meeting. Someone who was fully honest with me and even comforting when I told him about my past. Someone Marcus would have comfortably threatened without actually believing he’d ever follow through with his words because I’d found someone real—someone genuine. Someone … normal.

Isaac is anything but normal.

Hotel Théos appears, the fancy swirling sign of its name backlit and glowing in gold at the front of the parking lot despite the fact that the sun hasn’t set. I pull through the drive and stop in front of the dozen or so glass doors. A tired looking valet hurries around the front of his stand and opens my door for me. I leave the keys in the ignition, taking the tag he hands me as I stride towards the front doors. I bypass the desk and head straight for the penthouse elevator.

It’s a good thing my memory isn’t trash because I don’t need to call Isaac or give him any sort of warning as I type in the code I’d watched him use the night I’d first come here. The doors slide open and I step inside, turning and slamming my thumb into the button that will send me directly up to the floor I need.

My foot taps against the floor in a repetitive motion—it’s calming. I count each tap. One. Two. Three. Four … by the time I reach the twenties, the elevator is slowing. It dings and the doors slide open.

“Shep!” Isaac calls, “I’m in here.”

I roll my tongue into my cheek. I guess he was expecting one of his friends. I don’t say a word as I follow the direction of his shout until I find him in the living room with his head bent over the coffee table in the center of the room, a sheaf of papers spread out in front of him.

They’re everywhere. Papers. Pictures. Documents. On the table, couch, and even some on the floor in various patterns and stacks.

“Expecting someone?” I ask, keeping my tone light and casual.

Isaac’s head jerks up, and for the first time, I see him truly surprised. His eyes widen, and he straightens before standing up from his position perched on the edge of the couch. “Aurora…” He frowns but approaches, stepping around each stack with care. “What are you doing here? How did you—”

“Get in?” I finish his question for him as he comes to a stop in front of me. “With the code, how else?”

I glance behind him and he tilts his head to the side, watching me carefully. “You’re upset.” Good for him, at least he can read the room.

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