Page 23 of Paper Coffins

“Thanks for the whiskey,” I whisper into his ear. “Thanks for the ice.”

I leave before the conversation can proceed, deliberately evading his touch and pushing past Andreas. I know he’ll follow, full of questions, but he also knew what I was up to tonight.

He asked if I still loved Beckett Knight, and I told him yes. A part of me longs for the touch I used to crave, but I have to move on, forge a new future, and Beckett’s involvement, while minimal, is also going to be short-lived.

I push through the two men, walking naturally. My ankle barely even hurts. I make a point not to leave with Andreas. I keep myself two strides ahead of him. I refuse to fold until we’re in the underground car park and away from prying eyes. I am not a kept woman. Andreas won’t change that, but Beckett will get a taste for it. Vinnie has the door open ready at the bottom of the stairwell that leads to where we parked the car, and I rush past him, unprepared to make niceties.

Suddenly, vicious fingers bind my wrist, preventing me from getting into his car. In a quick yank, Andreas pulls me back, my body facing his. Mere inches part us.

“You’re playing a dangerous game and you know it.”

“I am not having this conversation again with you.” I yank my hand back as I steel my emotions. “You men really do think I’m some weak morsel that needs your protection. That’s one strike for you, Andreas.”

He never did like when my devious side came out to play, but he also never learned how often he fell for my beauty and charisma. Four years on and he’s still a fool.

“Natalia, what are you playing at?”

I laugh, hearty and almost close to a giggle. If the situation were different, I’m sure Andreas would’ve laughed too.

“He’s just played right into the game,” I tell him, reaching up to cup his face in my palms. “I needed to see if he remembered me before I work out how we proceed.”

“And now?”

“Now, he’s just shown me what a pile of shit first love can be.”

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