Page 58 of Spooked

“You know why I can’t.”

“Money isn’t everything. Look at me and your father—all the money in the world couldn’t buy us happiness.”

“I need to make sure you’re taken care of in the settlement. This place doesn’t come cheap.”

“You can’t let that keep you chained to Carissa. I have a little nest egg, and someday, I’d like to have a yard of my own before I’m too old to tend to it.”

“You want to leave Cardinal? But you said you intended to stay here forever.”

“That was three years ago. Carissa meddled with both of our heads. I was in a fragile state emotionally—do you know how much therapy it took for me to be able to say that? I was in a fragile state, and this is my place of safety. But maybe…maybe the time has come for me to have my own space again.”

“Here in Virginia?”

“I have friends in the area. I’m not completely isolated here, you know. Or perhaps I could try living in Los Angeles? I can’t say I hate the idea of more sunshine.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“I’m as sure as you are about Meera.”

“In that case…” Brax took a deep breath and let the unbearable weight of Carissa roll off his shoulders. “In that case, it’s time. I’ll get the divorce.”

* * *

“When do you want to fly home?” Meera asked. “Will we still be here tomorrow? Because there’s a botanical garden nearby, and most of it is wheelchair friendly. I called to check. The manager at the Cardinal Center said they could arrange transport, although your mom hates the idea of being wheeled around. She’d rather use crutches, but that’s not a good idea at the moment. She should be resting her injured leg completely. Of course, if you need to get back to LA, that’s no problem—I can book the flights right away.”

“Go to the botanical garden.”

“Are you sure? I feel kind of guilty doing fun things when I should be working.”

“It’s fine.”

“What about the operations call in the morning? Should I dial in to take notes?”

“What operations call?”

“At ten a.m. You forgot?”

“I have other things on my mind right now.”

“Of course. Your mom. I’m so sorry—I’ll just… I’ll be quiet.”

Slowly, deliberately, Brax leaned forward and rolled up the privacy screen. They were nearly at Meera’s hotel now, and he couldn’t go another night without telling her how he felt. He wanted her in his bed, not sleeping alone ten miles away.

“Meera, look at me.”

She did, those beautiful dark eyes focused on his. He’d practised a whole speech in his head, the reasoning, the justification, the laying bare of his soul, but when she bit that bottom lip, none of it mattered. He fisted one hand in her hair and tilted her head back, giving himself access to that delicate throat. Just a taste…

And that taste was exquisite. Her pulse fluttered as he trailed the tip of his tongue along smooth skin, and the little gasp she gave made his cock harden in an instant.

“Meera…” It was a prayer, a declaration, and a plea all in one.

He pressed with a thumb, feeling the tight little indentations left by her teeth, and when her lips parted, that was all the invitation he needed. She moaned into his mouth as he kissed her, their tongues tangling. With every breathy whimper, her legs fell open another inch as her subconscious gave Brax the answer to his unasked question.

Yes, she wanted him.

He moved a hand to her thigh, inching it upward as he deepened the kiss. Why had she worn pants today? Why did she ever wear pants? What a horrible garment they were. Too much fabric, too many fasteners.

He stroked her through the polyester—ugh, polyester, she should be in silk—and she writhed under his touch. So responsive, his Meera. His queen. His everything. Her hand came to his chest, and he wondered if she’d tear the buttons off his shirt. Hoped she would.

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