Page 53 of Cryptic Curse
I laugh at that, grateful for his easygoing nature.It seems like everyone in this strange new world is so much kinder than the one I left behind.The thought makes something tighten in my chest.
We move onto knife safety skills, and then a workshop on cleaning and safe food handling.
While I understand that the basics are important, I helped prepare an enormous dinner for ten a few nights ago.I created recipes, fused cuisines, and it was a rousing success.I had Star Bellamy’s help, of course, but I did a damned good job regardless.I already know all the basics.
As much as I was looking forward to today, I’m ready for our lunch break.
Plus… I haven’t been able to get Hawk Bellamy out of my mind—his kisses…and what nearly happened between us.
What should I do?
He still doesn’t knoweverythingI’ve been through.
He’d probably run away screaming if he did.
Hell, I wanted to run away screaming myself.
I’m here now, doing what I’ve dreamed of for so long.
And my father—who thought nothing of pimping me out to his associates—is dead and buried.
Good fucking riddance.
17
HAWK
My mind has been reeling.
This isn’t like me.Daydreaming.Jacking off.Letting a woman invade my mind like this.
Fuck.I’m acting like Eagle.
That jars me.
No way will Ieverbe like Eagle.
I’m the Bellamy brother who gets things done, does things the right way, always has his ducks in a row.Hell, I make to-do lists.
Fuckingto-do lists.
I pace around my room, trying to shake off the growing frustration.But then images of Daniela flood back into my mind and I’m reminded of her kiss, her touch, her taste.
Damn it.This isnotlike me at all.
I’ve been trying to distract myself with paperwork for the past three days.It’s been seventy-two hours since Daniela left my parents’ house, leaving me in a state of confusion and longing.
Every time I blink, I see her stunning dark eyes filled with fear and determination.I feel the softness of her lips against mine, the heat of our bodies pressed together.But every time I reach out, she’s gone.
It’s maddening.
I’ve always been a man of control.My life revolves around schedules, systems, and routines.But Daniela has thrown me off balance.She’s this whirlwind that swept into my life without warning and now everything feels different.
Even sitting here in my office surrounded by the familiar smell of leather and wood doesn’t bring me the usual sense of calm.
My doorbell rings, and Jimmy, my black lab, goes bolting.
Who the hell is showing up now?I’m not expecting anyone.
