Page 85 of Wicked in the Pines

“This doesn’t change anything when it comes to us,” I said with an exasperated sigh, clutching the countertop behind me with my fingers, needing it for support.

This can’t be happening.

He came toward me, hands bracing the counter on either side of mine, body engulfing me with the rich aroma of crisp linen and bergamot. Desire flowed through my veins, desperate to lure him closer, to close that very small distance between our bodies. I clenched the marble, smothering out the overactive libido of my newly reclaimed magic.

“According to you, there is no us. But I think I’ve been very clear where I stand, Oakley.” His hand gripped my chin—

Flashes of nights together under the full moon, visions of us together with Aspen. Him as a toddler, throwing black petals around me dressed in a plum lace gown—

I pushed him away, that dress and Hazel’s fatal premonition—too much for me to handle.

“It means I’ll be around more for our son,” he said, eyes softening. “I understand that doesn’t mean we are going to be together. Sure, there might be part of me that hopes you’ll change your mind and join me for a full moon picnic again…”

My heart twinged at the thought, knowing how I’d spent the last full moon and how much that would probably hurt Atlas.

He couldneverknow.

Not when Lynx and Saros worked for him now. He could ruin their careers in a heartbeat. Not that I thought he would, but I didn’t want to do anything to mess up their work or the investigation—especially since it would be ongoing.

Hopefully Atlas would find a place in Seattle or with one of the other Washington covens. Closer to us but still with some distance. There were so many great covens in the region. “Where are you going to be staying?”

“Well, funny thing… A few houses recently opened up on Blessed Crescent, and I just so happen to know the neighborhood realtor,” he said with a wink.

My chest clenched. “You can’t be serious.”

“Deadly,” he replied, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Looks like we’re going to be neighbors.”

The End For Now…