Page 84 of Ashes of Saints

Friend of mine. I’ll set up a meeting.

“Oh! That’s wonderful. Bring her to Michael’s birthday. It will make your mother so happy.” Grandma preens as I click send and refocus.

I almost bark out a laugh. Where she ever got the idea that was a life goal of mine, I have no idea. Then I imagine Aurora on my arm, meeting my family, and my chest feels warm and strange.

“I have to go.” I push all the strange emotions aside.

“Love you, my boy,” Grandma says, as she always does.

I never say it back.

She knows why.

I am capable of friendship, loyalty, and passion. That’s enough for one lifetime.

That is, until Travis pressed against Aurora, whispering to her as she orgasmed. Whatever he triggered within me is confusing and not welcome.

So tonight, I will prove to myself, Aurora, and the guys that my relationship with her is casual.

I’ve got the photos and if I find nothing else in Mary-Anne’s home, then it’s time to move on.

Whatever created the possessive reaction inside of me has passed. What better way than sitting back and letting Aurora have fun at the club?

No more sex toys, no more exclusivity, Parker.

Those were her words, and I agreed.

I’ve got this. Smirking, I toss back another shot of whisky and head to the elevators. Aurora is going to be so out of her element at the club she’ll be clinging to my side.

My little fly, stuck in my web.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

AURORA

“This is insane. I can’t believe we’re going to the Alliance Club.” Chloe grabs my hand excitedly as the limo drives us out of Manhattan.

“I knew you’d be keen.” I laugh.

“Keen. Freaked out. Horny as hell.” Chloe wriggles in the dark leather seat and winks at Parker.

“Jesus.” He shakes his head.

I stare across at him, remembering the last time we were in this vehicle together. Alone. How he slipped the toy inside me and claimed my pussy was his.

That didn’t last long.

After our talk today, he’s changed and there’s a cannon-sized divide between us. The insecure part of me thinks it’s because I brought up my childhood this morning.

It probably is.

I was that emotional girl. But to be fair, I’m grieving my mother who just died, so I’m hardly in a stable state of mind. Surely Parker could cut me some slack if that is what scared him.

Before that, things have been intense. Our attraction and sex life is off the charts, and he’s been insanely possessive. The past few days it’s felt less like fucking and more like a genuine connection was forming.

Wrong.

Parker clarified what this was for him loud and clear this morning. You’re beautiful, smart, and sexy as fuck, but I’m not looking for anything long term here.

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