Page 69 of Ink Deep Devotion

That lock on the door wouldn’t keep a child out if they wanted in bad enough.

Her strawberry-blonde hair is piled high in a messy bun. Loose strands fall freely around her face as she leans over the counter, reading a book that is engulfing her.

I want to be that book, to be held between her palms, to feel her fingers gliding over me as she peels back my layers. I want to consume all her attention.

I use her ignorance to my advantage, eyes gliding down her body from her cinched waist that flares out to perfectly curved hips and that ass… it’s perfection.

“Do you have time for one more customer?” I announce.

Her head snaps up, eyes widening in surprise, then joy, as her lips lift into a smile. She’s excited to see me. So why didn’t she text me?“Well, if it isn’t the Serial Killer. It’s been a while, leaving a trail of bodies in your wake?”

Yes, I have, and yes, it has been a while. Would it scare you to know I know the exact number of days and hours since we spoke last?

She tries to suppress her joy, pressing her lips together, but her sparkling eyes betray her until she sees my split lip. She places the book face down on the counter, making sure to keep her place.

“What happened?” She asks as she rounds her register. A sweet floral perfume infiltrates my senses.

So fucking good!I want that scent all over my skin, in my bed, forever marking her presence in it.

Oh no, it's happening. The obsession that plagues all King men. I’ve witnessed it time and time again, and this poor soul is now a victim of my madness.

I should apologize.

She inches closer, and the tips of her shoes touch mine. You shouldn’t go toe to toe with me. It’s like asking Mother Nature not to release a storm. I’m not sure I can control myself this close to you.

She tips her chin up, the soft lights of the bookstore making the color of her mossy green eyes look gentle and whimsical.

Without permission, she reaches up, her soft palm cradling my jaw as her thumb brushes closer to my cut. My heart slows to a calming rhythm it’s never experienced before.Thump, you can breathe. Thump, you’re safe.

“Nothing,”I whisper. I close my eyes, savoring her gentle touch. It’s been…forever since someone just touched me like this.

Caring.

Her hand slips free slowly as if they want to stay clinging to me, but she refuses.

Does she feel it, too?

“It’s been a long time, Damian.” She glances down at her feet.

My lips curl up.“You remember my name.”

Looking up, she taps her temple.“I have a good memory.”

“That’s rare nowadays.”

“Not when you have no phone. I have to remember details like phone numbers and names.” She tilts her head.

I look at the cash register and see a phone hanging on the wall next to it.“I’m guessing you didn’t remember my number.”Why didn’t you call?

She studies my eyes, forcing me to look down. I don’t want her to see my demons.

Turning away, she replies,“I did.” The counter separates us now. I want to demolish it.

Why didn’t you call me then? My feet lead me to the counter; my body leans over it, needing to be closer to her.

“What can I get you?” She questions, avoiding my eyes as she pretends I’m just a random customer.

She tucks some hair back behind her ear and then pulls on that messy bun, but the action only loosens it further. With a sigh, she grabs the hair tie and flips her head over, then stands taller as she gathers her long, thick hair into another bun.

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