Page 23 of Veil

Sex never felt like that with Victor. Probably because he was too focused on trying not to strangle me.

Psycho.

I follow her on shaky legs through the courtyard, into the elevator, down the hall, and into her apartment.

Heather kicks off her heels, then walks into the kitchen while I head for the sofa.

“You okay?” she asks.

I lift my head and see the concern etched on her face as she passes me a bottled water.

“I’m still processing.” I blink a few times as I sort through my thoughts and feelings. “It’s never felt like this before.”

Heather snorts, curling up on the opposite end of the sofa, facing me. “It’s the endorphins.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I mean, yeah, but I’ve never felt like this after sex. Not even after my first time with Victor.” I turn to face her. “I’ve never felt so… desired? No.” I wave a hand. “Cherished. The way he touched me… I felt like I belonged to him, but not in a controlling way.”

His touch was nothing like Victor’s.

“It’s fantasy,” she reminds me.

“I know, but—” I bite down on my lip.It’s a hell of a lot better than reality.

ELEVEN

MAKAYLA

The distinct sound of a key sliding into the deadbolt has my eyes darting to the top corner of my computer.How is it five thirty already?

The front door opens and Heather walks in dressed in her business attire, carrying a long thin black box. “Honey, I’m home,” she calls out, closing the door behind her.

Placing the box on the table, she kicks off her shoes and heads straight to the kitchen.

“I need wine,” she calls out. “Want some?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Please.” I never thought I’d like wine, but Heather introduced me to one that’s sparkling and sweet. It’s cheap and delicious and tastes a lot like champagne. I close my laptop and set it on the coffee table. “What’s in the box?”

“Don’t know. It’s for you.”

Hmm.Standing from the sofa, I walk over to the table and lift the lid. Inside is a long-stemmed blue rose.

Heather walks out of the kitchen carrying two glasses and passes one to me. “That’s interesting. Who’s it from?”

I lift a shoulder. “No clue. There’s no card.”

Her brows pinch. “Weird.” Setting her glass down, she digs her phone out of her purse and begins typing. “They mean something. Oh. The blue rose represents mystery, or unattainable. Hmm. I think someone has a secret admirer,” she teases.

I bristle. “Or a stalker.”

I take the box to the kitchen and put the rose in water. Then head back to the living room.

Heather is curled up on the sofa sipping her wine. I grab mine from the table and take a seat at the opposite end. “So how was your first day at work?”

“Not bad, just long,” she replies. “So how’s the job hunt going?”

“I sent out five résumés today. I have a Zoom interview on Wednesday and another on Friday. Oh, and I also got a call from the furniture delivery people. They’ll be here Saturday.”

“Sounds like you had a productive day.” She grins.

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