You never know when it’ll pay off.
You never know when you’ll go bust and it’s not your fault.
You never know how long you get until the clock runs out.
Still, I’ll choose to run it out until the bitter end, every time.
“Well, it’s a nice surprise to see you can enjoy yourself. Sometimes.” She leans over to grab the rest of the chocolate. Her thin top rides up her back.
I look away like I’m in the room with the sun.
Acres of smooth, bare, womanly skin.
She has a small mole on one side, and for some reason, I fixate on it.
Fuck, moles should not be sexy.
Yet it’s oddly arousing, this small imperfection on young, flawless flesh. A single splash of paint on her canvas.
“Still a lot about me you don’t know, and that’s for the best,” I say hoarsely, looking away and trying to pull an algebra problem from memory.
Math takes enough brainpower to distract my cock. I hope it does.
Because goddamn, it has ideas right now.
She slides another piece of chocolate between her lips and smiles. “Come on, what’s a little truth or dare? Maybe you’d feel better if you weren’t so closed off. Do you even have friends?”
“I—” I close my mouth. “I’m a single father. Not a life that leaves a lot of time for dicking around.”
Thankfully, I’m saved from an imminent disaster by her phone buzzing.
Her expression changes to surprise as she rips it off the sofa.
“It’s him!” she whispers, pressing it to her ear. “Hello?”
Thank God. Good timing when it helps wrench my mind off this ridiculous crush and centers everything again. That cursed egg is the only reason we’re both here.
With a trembling hand, she puts the call on speaker.
“…I apologize, it took me longer than anticipated to correspond with several experts overseas to verify everything. I couldn’t have gotten in touch unless I was one hundred percent sure, but I should have let you know sooner. Forgive me for that. I spent the night with my wife in urgent care for a kidney infection and I’m deeply sorry.”
Cleo looks like she’s about to cry with relief. Her voice remains steady. “I totally understand, it’s fine. Thanks for getting back to me. Do we have a verdict yet?”
“Yes. I’m pleased to say it’s all good news,” Fairfax continues. “Every expert I spoke with agrees that the Hera Egg appears to be authentic, based on the findings I shared. I hardly need to tell you how valuable this might be. I’m still putting together a formal appraisal, but I wanted to let you know as soon as I did.”
“Oh my God! Holy shit!” She pumps her fists in the air.
Fairfax chuckles. “Yes, I thought you’d be pleased. I imagine you’ve been waiting rather impatiently for my call. I’ll be back in touch as soon as I can finalize my report, if you don’t mind waiting a touch longer?”
“No, no, of course not.” Cleo meets my eyes. Her gaze shines like a winter sky, violet and blue layered in brilliant ribbons of hope. A look that shouldn’t punch me in the chest. “Please, take your time! I appreciate you letting me know.”
“Certainly, Miss Blackthorn, it’s the least you deserve. Take care.”
The call ends, and Cleo stares at me numbly.
Her little hands are shaking.
I try to force my brain to work, to find something comforting to say when she’s this overwhelmed.
