Page 49 of Cryptic Curse

“Please don’t be afraid of me,” I say.

She shakes her head.“I’m not.Which is surprising, but I’m truly not.”

“I won’t do anything you don’t want,” I say.“And if I’d known…”

“I’m afraid ofme,” she whispers, her voice trembling.“I’m afraid of losing myself before I’m ready for it.”

The raw pain in her dark eyes cuts me to my core.

“Daniela…” I reach out to touch her face.

She flinches but doesn’t pull away this time.

Her skin is like silk as I caress her cheek.“You’re not losing yourself.You’ve been through hell and you’re still standing.”

She looks at me through her long black lashes.“I’m not sure if I believe that.”

“Well, you should,” I tell her firmly.“Because it’s true.”

I don’t push her anymore as we stand in silence.She’s so close I can smell the lingering scent of the coffee on her lips.

“Daniela,” I say finally, breaking the silence, “we don’t have to rush anything.”

She nods slowly.“Thank you, Hawk.I appreciate your understanding.”

“And Daniela?”I add, my voice softening.

“Yes?”

“You’re stronger than you think.When you’re ready to explore that strength, I’ll be here.”

She gives me a small nod, the corners of her eyes glistening with unshed tears.Yet she manages to return my smile.

“I should go,” she whispers.

I help her off the counter and walk her to the door in silence.We don’t say much else as we reach her car parked in the driveway.Drawing a deep breath, I lean in and press a chaste kiss to her forehead before pulling away.

“Call me if you need anything,” I tell her as I open the car door for her and give her my cell phone number.

“I will,” she promises before slipping inside.

I stand there as she drives away, her taillights disappearing down the long driveway.

As I walk back inside the quiet house, I notice a text message.

From Daniela.

A kissy face emoji.

My dick gets even harder.

16

DANIELA

Three years earlier…

My maid set a dress for me on my bed.

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