Page 112 of Heart of Stone

“It’s not quite as simple as you’re making it sound, Krystina. There is a process involved – it’s not a difficult one, but steps are taken to make sure that all parties are safe and discreet. That’s why I typically favor the club scene. The women there know the rules, they have the experience, and they can keep emotional attachments out of an arrangement.”

“Hmm…I think I’d like to go to your club one day,” she mused.

Oh, hell no.

Knowing Krystina’s inquisitive mind, I should have predicted that she’d want to go to the club once she knew about it. I cursed myself for not considering that possibility. The thought of her being inside Club O made me feel sick, but I couldn’t tell her that without an explanation.

She didn’t know what went on there, despite the controls that were put in place. She would be vulnerable to any number of controversial behaviors, depending on who was in attendance. As it was, she had already been rattled by what she had found on the internet. Seeing it in person would be an entirely different experience – one that I didn’t think she could handle. And I’d be damned if I would be the one to expose her to the depth of licentiousness that could happen.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not the sort of place you’d like,” I tried to dismiss.

“Either way…” she paused, giving herself over to another yawn. “I’d like to go someday to see for myself.”

I could tell she was fighting off sleep, so I quickly took advantage of her exhaustion to dispel any thoughts she may have about pushing the subject further.

“You need sleep, angel. We’ve talked enough tonight and you have to rest. Just close your eyes.”

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take much convincing. Within minutes, Krystina’s breathing was soft and even. It was all I could do not breathe a sign of relief. I knew that if she had her full wits about her, I wouldn’t have been let off the hook so easily. My involvement with her was moving at a rapid pace, and I often found myself inadvertently giving away too much information. I had to remember how green Krystina was to my scene, and disclose information at a more measured pace. If I continued to give her too much all at once, I’d risk pushing her away.

I shifted her weight to the side in order to lay her down beside me. She barely stirred as I slid the covers up over her body. Propping a pillow under my elbow, I rested my head on my hand and stared down at her for a long while. Her lips parted ever so slightly with each breath she took, her alluring face soft and tranquil. She was beautiful when she slept.

I couldn’t help but to think about how perfect she looked here, in my bed, like she was destined to be there. I was surprised by how easily I had adapted to the idea of having her here on a regular basis. The feelings that she stirred were unfamiliar, but I couldn’t say that they were unwelcomed. Being with Krystina made me realize how empty my life had been. She was unknowingly filling a void that I hadn’t known existed before.

However, I could not ignore the steadfast pull in my gut, the constant reminder that I shouldn’t get too close. I knew that if I wanted to keep Krystina around, I needed to find a way to balance the past with the present before I got in any deeper.

Giving into a yawn, and fought against my eyelids that had suddenly become heavy. It was barely ten o’clock, but I felt exhausted.

I can’t fall asleep…not yet.

I didn’t think that Krystina was going anywhere anytime soon, but there was no way I would chance her slipping out on me again. I had to keep the sandman away for just a little while longer.

I got out of bed and went over to the far side of the room to hit the dimmer switch for the bedroom lights. Moonlight shown through the glass wall, casting dark shadows over the walls. I was considering pouring myself a nightcap, when I heard Krystina mumble incoherently.

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” I asked her, moving back towards her.

“Alexander,” she murmured.

“Yes, angel.”

No answer.

She must be talking in her sleep.

I smiled at that, finding the sound of my name on her lips to be endearing, even during sleep. Foregoing the drink, I climbed back into bed and settled in along side of her.

“I…no, I shouldn’t. I have to go,” she mumbled, words barely audible. Through the glimmer of the moonlight, I saw her brow crease up, like she was tormented over some thought or another.

“Shh, Krystina. You don’t have to go anywhere,” I whispered to her, but she didn’t respond.

I pulled her tight against me and stroked the top of her hair.

You’re staying right here, angel. Where you belong.

CHAPTER 31

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