Page 11 of Ashes of Saints

I’d cursed inwardly as heat flashed across my palm. Then her eyes shot up to mine and I could see the same desire I was doing my darndest to hide.

“She did a good job.”

No. She didn’t.

My mother left me alone with a child abuser, then buried her head in the sand when I pleaded for help.

I don’t know how old I was when I threw a tantrum, not wanting to go out with Dad. Not wanting to have my body touched and aroused when it felt scary and unnatural.

Mom got angry, telling me how ungrateful I was that my father wanted to spend time with me. That hers never had. That Dad loved me.

When I told her what was happening, tears running down my face, she slapped me and told me to stop making up stories.

That was the moment I knew I wasn’t safe in this world. That no one would ever fucking protect me. That it was me against the world.

“I will pass on your compliments.” I smirked instead of saying any of that and slowed when we were a few feet from Aurora’s apartment.

Fuck. I’d nearly messed up.

I sped back up, needing to be smarter than that. If Aurora thought I knew who she was or where she lived, it would scare her off.

Rightly so.

“Well, this is me.” Aurora waved up at the building and her cheeks turned deep pink.

Any other guy would have been in heaven watching a woman blush and melt under his attention. I was thrilled my plan was working.

The fact we might be related didn’t stop my body from craving her. Something I’ll burn in hell for, probably. Then again, I’m likely headed in that direction, anyway.

“Thank you for bumping into me, Aurora.” I’d over-pronounced her name and slid my hands into my pockets, rocking back on my heels cheekily.

“You’re welcome, Parker. Thank you for catching me.” She glanced at the door to her building, then back at me, delaying her retreat as she waited for me to ask her out.

It was tempting to let her suffer, but I wasn’t here to flirt with her. I wanted inside her mother’s home.

Inside her brain.

Wherever the information was.

“Seeing as we’ve agreed you owe me your life, perhaps you will do me the honor of having dinner with me.”

Aurora giggled. “Did we?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“Or you could just ask me out for dinner.” She tilted her head.

Interesting.

I sensed a little more confidence than she’d originally shown. Her sense of humor was playful, and I liked it.

In bed, I bet she’d be...

Nope.

DNA results first.

“Have dinner with me.” The corner of my lip twitched, genuinely and surprisingly enjoying the banter.

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