Page 64 of Craving Danger

Mr. Vitale made it clear he won’t let me resign, and I get a feeling if I try to run, he’ll come after me. Not because I’m an excellent PA, but to silence me.

Shit.

What do I do?

When the restroom door opens, I turn around and look at my mystery man, who’s quickly becoming one of the most important people in my life.

I could’ve called Jenny or caught an early flight to Seattle, but instead, I messaged him.

“We can leave in fifteen minutes,” he informs me.

“Leave? Where are we going?”

“To get the tattoo you want.”

For a moment, I’m overwhelmed because I’ve wanted to get the tattoo done for a while now. Every time I see Todd’s name carved into my skin, it’s a reminder of what he did to me.

Closing the distance between me and my mystery man, I wrap my arms around his waist and press my cheek to his chest.

It feels amazing to touch a man after not being able for so long. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until now.

And it’s all because of him – my mystery man.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

When he engulfs me in a hug, a sense of safety calms the storm of emotions in my heart. “You’re welcome, baby.”

He’s called me that more than once, and it has me tilting my head back so I can look up at him. My voice is shaky as I ask, “What’s happening between us?”

“Whatever you want,” he murmurs.

“What if I want a relationship?”

He lifts his hand to my face and brushes his fingers along the curve of my jaw. “Is that what you want?”

My heartbeat speeds up and pulling my arms from around his waist, I reach a hand up to the ski mask. He allows me to trail my finger over the skull, and I wish I could see his face.

“Yes. I’d like to try with you,” I admit.

“Whatever you want, baby.”

Our eyes lock, and his soft brown irises make a kaleidoscope of butterflies flutter in my stomach.

Slowly, he lowers his head but stops an inch from my face.

“Is this okay?” he whispers.

“Yes.”

He closes the last of the distance and presses his mouth to mine. I can feel the heat of his breath through the mask before he lifts his head.

Again, we stare at each other, but when I try to take hold of the fabric so I can lift the ski mask, he grabs me by my wrist and shakes his head.

“Not yet.”

“When?” I whisper.

“Soon. I just need a little more time.”

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