Page 87 of Wicked Duty
“You regret what happened earlier.”
I startle so badly, the birds soar away before I can photograph them.
Callum stands right behind me, regarding me with a stony expression. I haven’t said a word to him since we left the hotel, so I suppose he was bound to confront me about this sooner or later.
I lower my camera. “No.”
His frown deepens as he rubs a hand over his jaw. “Then what’s the matter? What do you want me to do?”
My heart flops like a stranded fish on the bank. “Well, for starters, you could tell me I mean more to you than a paycheck.” If I’m going to deal with these emotions, I need him to tell me that I’m not the only one floundering. If I’m falling for Callum, then I want to know how he feels too.
Callum reaches for my hand. He tangles our fingers, freezing me to the spot with a long, green-eyed stare. “Of course you mean more to me than a paycheck, Lucy. Would’ve thought that was quite obvious by now.”
“Well, it’s not.” I pull away so I can fold my arms and disguise the irrational happiness his response brings me. “How do I know you don’t screw all the people you’re hired to protect?”
He bristles, the muscles in his shoulders tensing up. “You’re the first and only person I’ve ever crossed this line with while on assignment. I swear.”
I lower myself down onto the bench. “Prove it.”
My heart’s on the line, I realize with a lurch. Before I allow myself to fall any deeper into this landslide of emotion with Callum, I need answers.
I need him to tell me the truth, once and for all.
Chapter 33
Callum
I don’t know what’s going through Lucy’s head, but I do know that sometime between pounding her perfect pussy in bed this morning and walking to the park, I managed to fuck up.
She’s been on edge ever since we left the hotel a few hours ago. At first, I figured she was just spiraling through the same awkwardness I am.
Making love to her titled my whole world on its axis. I haven’t been the same person since.
That truth doesn’t trouble me in the slightest, but I’m beginning to wonder if Lucy feels differently.
Maybe she’s upset about how this all went down. I mean, she didn’t share details, but I can imagine what that monster Roguilin put her through. The photo gave me more than enough insight. Now here I am, practically shoving my tongue down her throat without even asking.
This morning, I worked hard to show some sensitivity. I checked on her, asked if she wanted me to continue.
Maybe I misjudged the situation and this is just her way of pushing me away again.
The thought floods me with panic. “I apologize. I shouldn’t have lost control last night. Or this morning. It’s my fault.”
“Don’t apologize!”
I lift my palms in defeat. “But I thought, after everything?—”
“Stop. Don’t bring it up.” Her fingers fidget with the camera in her lap. “I’m not upset about this morning. I just…we jumped in so fast when we still barely know each other.”
An iron fist crushes my chest. I struggle to suck air into my lungs as I process the truth of her words.
Lucy’s right. We haven’t known each other for long. But I feel like I understand her in all the ways that matter. I recognize who she is, right down to her core. I trust her. But maybe…maybe she doesn’t feel the same about me. And that hurts far more than it should.
What we did this morning…it went beyond physical. We have a connection. A bond that drew us together, even when we wanted nothing more than to keep our distance.
I shake my head. “Lucy, you don’t get it.”
She huffs, a little frown on her face. “Finally. We agree on something.”
