Page 37 of Pyro

All my regrets.

All that remained was Skylar Rose.

Holding her close to me, I devoured her mouth as she melted against me. Her arms moving up and around my back as she gripped my jacket with her fist.

Her soft moan eased a tension in my soul I didn’t know was there as I allowed myself to feel the world once more. It was everything that I remembered and more. The drab gray landscape that used to define my life vanished, replaced by a world bursting with vibrant hues.

Now radiant colors shined through, illuminating everything around me. Lost in the merriment of her grace, I deepened the kiss, feeling the wind swirl around us. It was a remarkable experience to meet someone whose soul was so gentle and reverent that it responded to my every action with love and joy.

She truly was magical.

Releasing her lips, I kissed her cheeks, the tip of her nose, her forehead, before holding her close to me. She fit so perfectly in my arms, almost as if she were destined to be there.

“I knew,” I heard her whisper.

“Knew what?”

“The first moment I saw you. I knew you were mine.”

Confused, I looked down at her.

“It’s okay if you don’t feel it right now. It’s difficult getting over someone you love. I understand. I really do. I’m still grieving for my parents.”

Taking a step back, I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Ellie,” she simply said, looking up at me. “You are still mourning her. I can wait. There’s no need to rush anything.”

Shaking my head, I growled. “Rush what? There is nothing between us. There never will be. I love my wife. Only her. I don’t want another one. Ever.”

“But you said you wanted me. You kissed me!”

“I want you to stay, not be mine.”

“Then what in the hell was that a minute ago? You can’t lie and say you didn’t feel something, Chase. I know you did.”

“It was just a kiss. That’s it!”

Skylar shook her head and sneered, “I should have fucking known. My dad warned me about men like you!”

“What the fuck does that mean?!”

“Why did you really bring me here to this place? Did you think I would just open my legs for you? I know I look like her. Is that why? You wanted to use me to remember her!”

“NO!”

“I don’t believe you, Chase Montclair,” she said, turning, walking away from me.

What the fuck just happened?

One minute we were talking and then kissing. Now everything had gone to shit fast. My head was spinning.

Running after her, I shouted “Skylar stop! Where are you going?”

“I’m walking home!”

“It’s a five-mile walk. Just stop. Please!”

She rounded on me. “Why? Why should I?”

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