Page 46 of Sinful Skulls
I’m starting to wonder if my stomach has gone and joined the circus the way it flips and dips around this man.
His eyes remain on me until I bite into a strawberry, and then he goes back to the meal he’s preparing.
“My phone is on the mantel. It’s powered off, but if there is an emergency you can use it.”
I glance behind me to look for it.
He continues to stir the sauce on the stove as he talks. “You seemed reluctant to turn yours on the other day.”
“Thank you. I just don’t want to face the messages from my parents.”
When he remains quiet, I try to justify my statement. “They didn’t feel the need to tell me who the fuck I am, so why should I have to tell them anything?”
“Maybe they had their reasons.”
I sit up straight, my feathers ruffled. “Are you saying I owe them something?”
“All I’m trying to say is I know you don’t want them to worry. You’re a kind person. I haven’t known you long, but I think I know that much.”
“Idon’twant them to worry.”
“So why are you making them?”
“I don’t know. I can’t deal with it right now.”
“Then why not text them that you’re safe and you just need a fucking minute?”
My lips slip between my teeth, because I can’t tell him why. My biological father had me followed. I know it’s true because he had the paintings that I threw away. What would stop Henry from doing the same? I can’t risk it.
Brody shakes his head. “There’s a lot going on up there.” He points his spoon toward my head.
I’m tired of him making me feel bad about this. I take the plate of fruit and move out to the patio. I know he’s right, though. They’ll be terribly worried if they find out I left Paris.
He joins me after letting me cool off for a bit. He steps behind me and begins to rub my shoulders.
“I’m sorry,” I mumble.
“You don’t have to apologize. I’m sorry for pushing you. I just know that if you went missing from me, I’d be out of my mind.”
“I will contact them eventually. I just need some time.”
“Okay. I won’t bring it up again.”
I take his hand in mind and bring it to my cheek. “Thank you.”
“Lunch is done. Would you like to eat out here?”
“Yeah, that would be nice.” I stand up and help move everything outside.
We’re both quiet as we eat, but every time his gaze roams over me, it’s like a sweet caress. It’s strange having someone know my body so intimately, and I feel like we’ve just begun.
He leans back in his chair and rubs his stomach. It makes me giggle. This man does love a good meal.
“I love listening to your laugh.”
It makes me drop my head shyly, but it warms me. Brody has a way of speaking to me that is so unique to anyone else. His words light me up on the inside, and god, I really need that right now. He keeps me in balance.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks, leaning forward curiously.
