Page 89 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“I’m most certainly not.” I narrow my eyes. “Do I have a reason to be?”
Of course, I don’t. I don’t even have a right to be. I was the one who left in the morning. Ozan and I are nothing… and I have little more to offer. There’s too much on my plate. I have sisters to care for, a shop to run, and…
“No,” he says. “I was saying goodbye to her. For good.”
“Well…good. That’s good for you—for both of you. That level of attachment is unhealthy.”
“You’re cute when you’re jealous.” The world seems to go in slow motion as his hand moves closer. His rough fingers brush against my warm cheek.
I swallow nervously. “I’m not jealous.”
“What are you?”
“Relieved.” Eventhatfeels dangerous to say.
But it’s true. My stomach finally settles, and when I exhale, I release tension from my body. He could be lying,but for some reason, I believe him. I never trust anyone, especially not men. They think with their dick, and I have no patience for that.
I’m more patient with Ozan now. I never like the feeling of someone’s dirty hands on my face, but he’s the exception to that as well.
He cradles the side of my face, and I feel like I’m home after a long day. I’m warm, and…
I shake the feeling off.
“Why are you relieved?” he murmurs.
“I don’t—I don’t know.”
But Ido. He doesn’t want to be with me—he can’t after all he’s been through—but I’m not ready to let go of him yet. We can have one more night together… and another after that. That’s not possible if he and Vanessa reunite.
His gaze is usually so soft, but it hardens. “You know. Tell me.”
Talking wasn’t my intention when I came over. It was a longing to feel his lips on mine and to get on my knees for him…
I suppose I should answer his question instead.
“She was bad for you,” I say, “and I don’t like how she talked about you—and about Starbrook.”
“Ah.” His hand drops, and he steps away. “It sounds like you care about me.”
My face boils. “What? No!”
“Then why do you care if she’s bad for me? Hm?”
“Because I’m a decent person!”
“You are…” He nods as if he’s thinking over my claims. “Makes sense. Are you sure there’s nothing else?”
I glare. “Oh, I’m positive.”
I’m especially sure now that he’s returned to his oldways. Ozan is tormenting me again, and it’s different this time. Instead of frustrating me, he’sflusteringme.
“Then why are you here?” He lifts a brow.
That’s not what he should ask. He’s supposed to ask why I left in the morning. There’s no cruelty behind his words, but they catch me off guard.
Does hewantme to be here? I’m starting to think he doesn’t. Talking to an ex would put anyone in a sour mood. He doesn’t want me. Not right now. Maybe he never will again.
Oh, why do I care?
