Page 13 of Thunder

No connections, no personal details, no stories, nothing beyond tonight.

Because tonight was just about meeting my needs, letting go, and that's all it ever will be.

"Thank you," I breathe against his mouth, savoring every bit of connection between us before lifting myself off his body. My fingers tremble as I reach for the belt that binds his wrists. “It’s time for you to go.”

"Are you sure?" he asks, the concern etched across his rugged face tugging at something deep inside me.

"Positive," I reply with a small smile. "This was amazing, Marcus, but it's time for you to go."

He watches me intently as I untie him; the tattoos adorning his chest seeming to pulse with life as his breathing slows. Finally free, he sits up and rubs his wrists, flexing his powerful hands. The sight of him—all wildness and strength—sends a wave of longing through me that would be so easy to surrender to, but I push it down.

"Alright then," he says. "If that's what you want."

"Trust me," I murmur, looking into those burning eyes, "it's for the best."

"Take care of yourself, Lia," he says, standing up from the bed and reaching for his pants. The way he says my name sends shivers down my spine, but I steel myself against any lingering feelings.

"You too," I respond, pulling my robe tight around me.

"If you need another lesson, you know where to find me: anywhere but an art gallery."

"I won't, but thank you."

As Marcus dresses, I watch him, committing every inch of his muscular form to memory. When he's finished, he strides towards the door, pausing just before he leaves. Turning back towards me, his eyes lock onto mine one final time.

"Goodbye, Lia," he whispers, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

"Goodbye, Marcus," I murmur to the empty room, a mixture of satisfaction and loss settling in my chest. "Even though I'll never see you again, thank you for helping me with my problems."

Chapter Five

Thunder

Community meeting, six o'clock. Be there and bring whoever you can for support. We have to fight this thing.

The text from Owen sits on my phone, just as it's sat all day. Until this moment—with just an hour till six—I haven't spared it much thought. Despite what I promised, my mind's been circling Lia all day.

Ever since last night.

Though I know it's just temporary, though I know nothing more than her first name and she's in town for work, I felt something with her. Something strong, stronger than the feeling of lust and conquest that comes with my usual one-night stands. There was something real there.

Carefully, I adjust my tie and check myself in the mirror of the shop's bathroom.

From my right, through the open door, I hear Rook.

"You dressing up? For the second night in a row? Who died?"

"No one died. Got a meeting thing tonight over at City Hall. It's important."

Bullet slides out from under a cherry red Miata and looks at me, grinning.

"Look at Mr. Fancy Pants over here. Got a hot date at the city council?"

"Yeah, with destiny. Or disaster. Haven't figured it out yet." I remove and start over with the tie. These damn things never look right, even when they're on right. Halfway, I'm tempted to just say fuck it and grab my jeans and cut and call it good.

Except tonight is important.

As temporary as last night's feeling was with Lia, I know that, with Eileen and her grandkids, I've got a shot at something deeper. Something real. A chance to help a family and feel a sense of fulfillment more rewarding that conquering a fine piece of ass like Lia.

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