Page 5 of Don't Tell

I turn to leave.

"What is your name?" His voice is lower than I expected. Rough at the edges from disuse.

I stop in the doorway. I don't turn around. "Suzanne."

"Suzanne." He says it carefully, like he is testing it from several angles. "Come here."

I don't move.

"Please."

I turn.

He has not covered himself. He is sitting up against the headboard now, rubbing his wrist with his other hand, and his eyes have not left my face. I walk back to the bed. I stop one arm's length from him.

"Closer."

I take a step.

"Lean in."

I lean.

He smells like sandalwood, the warm alcohol of expensive cologne, and something underneath that is just sleep and skin. His breath, when he speaks, brushes the hollow of my ear.

"Suzanne,” he whispers.

I shiver slightly. My name sounds different when he says it. I like it. I want him to say it again.

Then he grins. "Suzanne, can you keep a secret?"

2.Cade

Beautiful, that’s my second thought when the door opens. My first was about freedom and revenge. But as soon as my eyes land on hers, my revenge plans quickly take a back burner.

I allow myself to look at her for a bit. She’s frowning. Her lips are curved like Cupid's bow and perfectly rosy. I can tell she has no gloss or lipstick on. Must be the natural shade of her lips.

I wonder if, when I kiss her, if I touch my lips to hers, the color will change from rosy to red.

The pain in my wrist brings me back to the reality of my situation. This woman just saw what she shouldn't have. That sight would destroy my image. I won't let that happen.

“Suzanne, can you keep a secret?”

Her frown deepens. She steps backward, away from the bed.

“Suzanne?”

She doesn’t answer. She places her hands on her hips and stares down at me. I should feel embarrassed. I’m stark naked in front of a woman who, under different circumstances, I would have tried to impress.

I don't particularly care. My life isn't particularly built on modesty. Covering up will be a concession I am not willing tomake, especially to a woman who has seen me at the bottom of whatever this is.

She can look all she wants.

“Won’t you give me a response? I asked you a question, Suzanne.”

“I didn’t tell you my name so you could use it at will.”

I keep my eyes on her face as I smile. It’s been a long night of staring at the wall. But her gaze suddenly makes me feel alive. Fire is dancing in those eyes. It’s raw and untamed. I want to get closer to her, so I can see exactly what’s in those eyes.