Page 78 of Pretend
Months came and went,and the entire time, no more texts from my stalker since the day at the range. I guess being across the world helped and worked out in my favor. Of course, Jack still harassed my phone number, not taking the hint that I wanted nothing from him anymore.
Daegan was distant, cold, emotionless, and quiet. He treats me like a stranger, and yet the tension in the air is constant. I refuse to forget about that night…but maybe I should start pretending it never happened. I don’t know how I will, but I need to. I must forget about the best orgasm I’ve ever had. My mind is still blown that it was done with his knife and fingers. I can’t imagine how it would feel with his cock.
If he wants to forget it, then I will, too.
As I sit in my office, typing away documents that need to be completed, Daegan waits outside the room, guarding it.
It’s Valentine’s Day, and all I want to do is cuddle in blankets, read a book, and eat snacks, but I am overseas, far away from North Carolina’s winter weather—miles away from home in a Warzone.
It’s past work hours, and I’m about done finishing a document I need to send to the higher-ups. I type away on the keyboard, finishing the last few sentences.
“Alright, girl, I’m heading out,” Winters announces her departure. She scooches her rolling chair away from her computer and stands after a few clicks of her mouse.
“I’ll see you Monday,” I wave to her over my screen and continue to fidget with my mouse.
Five minutes later and I’m in need of a neck massage. It’s stiff and aching, and I’m already falling asleep. But then a pair of hands grip my shoulders, and I shriek.
“Sshh, it’s just me,” Daegan hushes me.
“Oh my gosh, I didn’t even hear you come in,” I relax, releasing my grip on the rolling chair.
“I’m known for silence, Valentine,”
“Why haven’t you been on guard this entire week at night?” I frown, not caring if I’m coming off as needy.
“It’s been arranged that way on purpose,” he says nonchalantly. I keep my focus on typing the last sentence on the screen as he massages my neck.
“So you're avoiding me? Ever since the rooftop, you haven’t wanted to talk to me.”
“You know it has to be this way,” his voice deepening, almost like a scolding.
I sigh heavily, close out my task, and turn off the computer so fast that even Daegan is taken aback. He picks up on my mood change and steps away.
I swing around him, grab my bag, and head for the door. As soon as I open it slightly, Daegan closes it. I furrow my brows, ready to protest, but he hushes me with a finger, simultaneously locking the office door like he’s on a mission.
“This is fucking torture for me, okay? But I need four minutes and twenty-nine seconds before we have to exit this building, or people will start asking questions, and I want to spend them doing something I’ve been wanting to do since I saw you at El Devine.”
My heart skips a beat. Is he implying what I think he’s implying?
“Daegan, I’m not…we’re not going to fu?—“
He takes out his phone and puts on a song.
“Yellow by Coldplay” starts to play through the speaker on his phone.
“It’s Valentine’s Day. Dance with me.”
“Daegan, I don’t dance.” My chest heaves as the song goes on.
“Neither do I, but I want to try it out with you.” He grabs my hand and pulls me into his chest. I’m met with his sexy cologne mixed with cigarettes.
“Pretend with me,” he lifts his finger below my chin. “Pretend we’re at El Devine, and you have that same sexy outfit on that night with your cowgirl boots and dance with me.”
“Daegan, what has gotten into you? You’ve treated me like a stranger these past few months.” Warmth fills my cheeks, and I intertwine his rough hands with mine and start to move with him. Like, I have a choice.
“Maybe I like dancing with strangers,” he states as we move side to side.
My entire body is wound tight, and as the seconds go by, I rest the side of my face on his chest, and he holds me back. We sit there, treading a fine line, and I wantmore.
