Page 79 of Tempt Me (Dark Odyssey 4)

“Maybe.”

“Maybe? Remember, I can tell when you’re lying. Or even telling half-truths.”

A little smile creeps across my lips, and he gives me a curious look.

“Well, hell. She’s even prettier when she smiles.” He releases my face and crooks his finger, beckoning me to his lips for a kiss. I move forward and plant a little kiss on his lips.

He gets off the bed and drags on his pants and boxers.

“I will see you at eight.”

“Where are you going?”

“Work.”

“Do you have to work so hard?” I ask, and the question somehow throws him. He raises a brow at me and gives me a wolfish grin.

I was so mad at this man just days ago, and that smile and his words have charmed me back to him. His ruffled hair is in complete contrast to his usually well-kept suave look and gives him a more youthful appearance. I like both.

“Yes, although you don’t eat, the rest of us need food on the table.”

“It’s Saturday though.”

“Bellezza, I have to go… I’ll see you at the club later.”

My lips part. “The club?”

“Yeah. Wear purple this time.” He winks at me before leaving.

I stare at the door and try to take myself out of the trance.

What’s happening again?

Or… what’s happening now?

That was a good version of us cemented by last night.

I won’t forget our arrangement, and I’ll continue to hold guard of my heart even when it calls for him, but I have to admit there was something freeing about having him see into the pain that fills my soul.

It’s not wise to do that again though. I shouldn’t unlock that door to secrets of the past. Although I have no control of my subconscious mind and the nightmares that lurk there, I can control what happens while I’m awake.

It was just yesterday… I couldn’t do it yesterday. The faces of ghosts haunted me all day, and I slipped up when Vincent saw deeper than I wanted anybody to see.

I’m glad he didn’t ask me more, and I’m glad he just held me.

It’s the first nice thing he’s done for me since I’ve been here, although I suppose the joke’s really on me because the fact that I’m here and Dad’s alive means my arrangement with Vincent is the nicest thing he’s done.

God, what am I going to do?

I bring my hands up to my cheeks and sigh. He’s allowing me to get my stuff. That’s good, but what I want is to have my life back. I don’t know what’s happening at work, and I’ve had no contact with anyone for close to two weeks. It’s Saturday, and I haven’t spoken to Holly or Freddie. What the hell must they think?

The competition ends next Friday. I’ve already accepted that all hopes are gone. It upset me a great deal yesterday too when I thought about it, but I had to file it away in the cupboard of lost dreams.

This thing happened with Dad, and maybe it’s more punishment for me because I didn’t take heed sooner that he was in trouble.

I don’t know what Vincent told anybody, and I don’t want to ask him just in case I piss him off.

Last night was nice, so was just now… What does it mean though?

---