Page 59 of Fortress of the King

I laugh now, and it’s nice to feel real, even if it’s only for a moment. I already smoothed over the other night at the gallery with my ex so I’m glad that kind of took care of itself, and she hasn’t asked too many questions, just for the skinny on Angelo and if we got up to anything that night in the limo.

I’ve come to truly like Melody in the short time I’ve been here. “Tell me about it. You know, I’d love a coffee. Maybe we can chat about it all down at Starbucks, I haven’t had lunch yet.”

She nods enthusiastically. “Great, I’m dying to hear all about what’s cooking with you and the king of Boston,” she whispers with a chuckle.

Shit.I wish he hadn’t made it so freaking obvious that night. I guess there really was no hiding the electricity between us, and I’m not sure how I will answer questions about him and me.

“Nothing’s going on. He was trying to outbid a rival that night, I just so happened to get caught in the crossfire, and then Dane happened...” God, I feel like such a bitch lying to everyone. This is what my life has become.

She gives me a skeptical look. Yes, one big pack of lies, Melody, I’m sorry.

We’ve arranged to see each other later tonight. Lord only knows how I’m going to get through the rest of the day thinking about what I need to do next, it’s a wonder I can even concentrate on work. A coffee break is just what’s in order, despite knowing I’ll have to give her something on Angelo and me, she isn’t going to buy that rubbish that nothing is going on.

God, I wish I had someone to talk to in all of this.

My soul agrees, not that there’s anything much left to salvage there. I sold it the minute Angelo let me into his bed.

“Shall we go?” Melody says, jerking me out of my reverie once more.

I nod and grab my bag, and we make for the elevators.

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