Page 32 of Revelation (Love Isn't What It Seems 3)

He stopped at the curb, facing me. His chin dropped, his eyes roaming my face. I wondered what he saw. He swayed closer and my heart beat so fast, it ached. I felt like a young teenage girl that had never been kissed before. I had a feeling Maxim’s kiss would be unlike anything or anyone before.

I leaned into him, a hint of his soap invading my senses again. I met his eyes, and there was so much heat in them, I could melt at any moment. I wanted his kiss, the desire tingled through every cell in my body. His eyes moved to my mouth and he inched closer.

Suddenly, all I wanted to do was feel. My eyes flickered shut, and I felt the whisper of his breath on my lips. Just his heat was intoxicating and addictive. My heart thundered against my ribcage. His lips brushed against mine when a car honk startled both of us.

My eyes shot open, putting space between us. Maxim didn’t move but there was an inferno in his eyes that was impossible to miss.

“Thanks for lunch,” I rasped. My racing heart might give me a heart attack. “Do you- ummm… do you want to come in?”

That wasn’t a good idea. I mentally kicked myself for asking. Although it was what I wanted, he didn’t need my mess. Thankfully, Maxim must have read something in my expression and shook his head.

“Not today.” He leaned over and pressed a kiss onto my cheek. He turned around and walked away. I stood there watching his broad shoulders and his firm stride till he disappeared from my view. I had to wonder though, how would it feel to have someone like this man?

A part of me knew he wanted me, but I questioned why. He could have anyone, I was sure of it. I only got a short preview of it at Livy’s wedding. Maxim was handsome, smart and rich - the whole package. So what could I possibly offer someone like that? Absolutely nothing good.

With Maxim long gone out of my sight, I climbed up the stairs and entered my house. The moment I walked into my kitchen, my eyes caught the invitation to the masquerade ball sitting on the counter alongside the blackmailer’s note. Staring at it, various scenarios swirled in my mind and then one incredible thought stuck. The idea was ridiculous but it remained at the forefront of my mind.

What if-?

I couldn’t even finish the thought, but the lingering idea was there. There was no way to shake it off. It was like an opportunity dangling in front of my face, waiting to be seized. It has been what I always wanted, to be independent from my grandparents, work in the field I enjoy, and have a chance to actually live this life.

How are you going to live if you owe a blackmailer for the rest of your life?

I shoved the reasonable question out of my mind. Maybe this masquerade auction could assist in that area. If it started at a million, maybe it meant I’d at least get that and that would settle the blackmailer for a few years. Maxim opened the door to the opportunity of getting a job at a nonprofit and this auction could potentially help me financially with everything else.

It didn’t hurt to give it a try or to look into it. There was no doubt in my mind that for bidding to start at a million, there’d be a lot more to this auction than just my time and a pretty dress. Did it mean I had sunken really low if I considered doing this?

Well, it can’t be lower than begging my grandparents for money again.I’d never make that kind of money working my secretary odd jobs. Even if somehow I managed to make enough to pay the blackmailer, I’d never have enough to live on. Either way, this seemed to be my only option.

Liar!

Okay, it was the quickest option. The blackmailer only gave me a week to come up with the new sum of money. No amount of honest work would bring me that much cash in a week. Besides, if Maxim and his partner agreed to give me a chance to work at their nonprofit, my grandfather would cut me off anyhow.

As if the universe was with me, my phone beeped.

I expect that résumé.

MC

My lips curved into a smile. It would be stupid not to seize this chance, try to get my shit together. I quickly strode to my laptop, powered it up, and emailed it.

Should be in your inbox any second.

LC

My eyes lingered on the sent text. From that fateful night of Brian’s and mom’s death, I have been drifting. It was time I did something about it. Yes, I’d struggle with guilt for the rest of my life. There was no avoiding that. But maybe, just maybe, I could do some good by working for Maxim’s foundation. One day maybe even start one of my own. The smear of what I had done would never be diminished, but if there was at least one person I could help not repeat my mistake, then it would be worth it.

Yes, I’d check out this masquerade ball, see what my options were. It couldn’t hurt. By the time it was early evening, I had convinced myself it was my best and only route forward.

The dusk fell and darkness started creeping throughout my place. I sat alone in my living room, staring out the window. There was a small booming hope in my chest, and I was almost tempted to squash it. It was worse to have hope and then lose it. Except that I needed that hope right now. I needed it to get through it all.

My cell phone rang, dragging me out of my stupor. I almost ignored it, not in the mood to talk to anyone. I felt tired, mentally drained. Forcing myself to see who it was, I was surprised to see it was Livy.

“Hello,” I answered quickly, scared I’d miss her call.

“I’m so sorry.” Her voice reached through the line, and I didn’t realize how much the fear of losing her gripped me till this moment. I refused to let myself feel and acknowledge how bad it would hurt to lose my sister.

“I’m sorry too.” My voice shook and tears threatened to spill. “I’m sorry I kept that secret from you. I knew how badly you wanted to know who your father was.”

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