Page 41 of Inferno

I imagine his lips on mine, and fuck, I want that.

A man this insanely gorgeous, who sat and chatted about everything and anything with me. Who helped me drug a guy.

If I was single and free, I wouldn’t even question it.

Here? I can’t trust anyone. Certainly not Misha.

The risk isn’t worth it.

My bubble has burst, and the weight of my life crashes over me.

“I’m sorry. I can’t,” I whisper, looking down at the marble beneath my heels.

“Don’t apologize. I’ve clearly got more work to do to get my kiss, ay?”

He pulls back and his face is soft with a smile.

Which throws me.

Quickly before I retreat, I press my hands on his chest and place a soft peck on his cheek.

“Goodnight,” I whisper.

I turn away to the opening elevator before I change my mind.

As the elevator closes, I let out a breath, still tasting the sweet chocolate on my tongue.

I wish things were different.

But I have a job to do.

Maybe, one day, once I’m out of this mess, I’ll try to find him.

Or someone who makes me feel this good.

I couldn’t sleep.All I could picture was Jimmy. So I went to the only place I know I can clear my head.

The place I can unleash the monster festering inside of me.

But with every punch and kick to the bag, I imagine Vlad is there.

For every time he’s pinned me down.

For shooting my mom.

For taking me away from my family.

For making me a goddamn murdering monster.

And now, for stopping me from kissing Jimmy.

Letting out a scream that feels like my ancestor’s pain is also being released, I swing my leg around and beat it into the bag.

Resting my hands on my knees, pain rockets up my shin. Taking deep breaths, my lungs heave.

I wish they had a target here I could throw some knives at.

All this pent-up aggression can’t be good for me. No matter how many guys I kill, it’s never enough because it’s not him.

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