“So? My family moved around a lot. That means nothing.”
“You’ve got holes in your memory?”
I gulped and hardened my expression.
She grinned. “So do I. Only I’m not cursed. Why would they take pieces of my memory but not curse me otherwise? Unless I was directly involved in someone else’s.”
“Interesting theory, but it’s weak. Anyone can come in here and say the same bullshit. Look—” I paused. I took my feet off the desk and leaned forward. She bent down, and our faces were inches from each other.
“If you want to fuck me, just say it.” I laughed.
She bit her lower lip, and her eyes blazed. She scooted off the desk, and in a flash, she was on the other side, pulling my chair out and spinning me around. Her hands were on my thighs, and she was on her knees.
My cock responded as it would with anyone trying to grab at it. Fucking Scout with my tongue and fingers was a lot of fun, but my body wanted more. My brain fought against my swollen dick.
She looked up at me, her eyes looking so fucking good. Her lips looked even better. I groaned and took a deep breath. She reached for my buttons. I pushed her away and stood.
“I’m not interested. Thanks.”
“You told me to tell you what I wanted. Well, I’m telling you,” she spat. She plopped her ass on the floor as her face took on a pout. I straightened my jeans, adjusted myself, then went to my bookshelf and focused on the horror movie covers to calm myself.
“Just because you want me doesn’t mean I’ll let you take me.”
“It’s because of her. You like her? Your brother’s ex?” She accused. I turned around and rolled my eyes to the ceiling.
“Don’t come in here with weak tea. A pretty face like yours doesn’t mean shit. Get out.” I crossed my arms.
“You’re my soulmate, Desiderio.” Her voice cracked at my name, and I couldn’t help but look down at her. Her lip trembled as two large lines of blood ran from each eye.
“I just know it. I’ve spent almost thirty years looking for you.”
“Please. I’m not your prince fucking charming. Get over yourself.”
“You really don’t feel it?” Her entire body shook as she stood and balled her hands into fists.
“Feel what?” I scoffed.
“The tingly feeling whenever we’re around each other? Like a scratch in your brain, you can’t itch?”
“No.” I tried to say it firmly, but I knew my face revealed the crack in my resolve. I had felt that. I felt it a lot, actually.
“I remember turning. I had a boyfriend. I know I did. When I try to remember, I see someone, but he’s a shadow. As if someone is purposely not wanting me to see him. Why?”
I tightened my jaw. “Please, leave. This is just sad. Aleida, I—look, I’m sorry about your memory. It sucks. I hope you find the guy you’re looking for, but I assure you, it’s not me. Will you please go?”
She began to cry again. The color of her tears turned from bright red to deep maroon. “Fine. But I know I’m right.” She then stormed out, slamming the door behind her. I quickly went over and locked it.
Back at my desk, I chose to stand instead of sit. Her words had shaken me. If she had stayed a moment longer, I would have cracked, and she would have seen me react to her declaration.
I felt like shit for pretending to not know what she meant. A shadow person. I shook my head. That couldn’t be a coincidence. Could it? Was the one in my own memories—her?
18
“You want to know about my curse? Fine. I’ll tell you everything.” Scout had just opened her apartment door to me, and I ambushed her. “But you have to tell me about yours.”
“You really think this is a good time? I thought I told you to fuck off.” She crossed her arms under her chest and stood firmly in the doorway.
“You did. But I think you need to explain this.” I raised the little black book up and waved it. Her brow furrowed, and she tried to take it back. I raised it over her and shook my head. “Nah, not this time. Let me come in.”
