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I didn’t know the answer to that, and I never trusted the unknown. I only knew violence stemmed from emotion. And in the short time I’d known Krystina, she had managed to spark several emotions I didn’t think I was capable of feeling. I was afraid my father’s legacy would come to fruition, proving I was no different from him. The mere idea of that happening caused a chill to race down my spine, despite the comfortable temperature of the room.

The bottom of the darkening screen touched the floor with a quiet thump, effectively blocking out all evidence of the lightning. I turned around and navigated my way through the darkness to return to bed. I eased back down onto my back and rolled over onto my right side.

To hell with the rules—at least for tonight.

I may never tell Krystina the full extent of what happened all those years ago, but at that moment, I needed her as I’d never needed another human being. My dream had left me feeling cold—as if frigid ice water were pumping through my veins. I needed the press of Krystina’s naked body against mine to make me feel warm again.

Through the dark night of the room, I reached for her. My grasp only found a fistful of sheets.

Krystina was gone.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Krystina

It was another glorious fall day in New York, and I relished the feel of the sunshine on my face as I exited the subway terminal. Last night’s storm had cleansed the city of the humid and sticky air, leaving a clean freshness in its wake. Shakira was blasting through my earbuds. And no, my hips weren’t lying as I sashayed into Wally’s for my shift.

It was such a cliché, but I didn’t care. I felt confident. Sexy. And lighter on my feet than I had in years. Nothing could ruin my mood today—not even the stress I felt over quitting my long-time job.

“Hey, Melanie!” I waved to a coworker working the register.

“Hi, Krys!” she called back while scanning groceries for a customer. “Mr. Roberts was looking for you a few minutes ago.”

“Do you know where he is now?”

“I think he’s back in his office.”

“Thanks!” I said with a beaming smile.

As I was making my way back to Mr. Roberts’ office, I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket. I fished it out and read the incoming text. I smiled to myself when I saw it was from Alexander.

Today, 7:51 AM: Alexander

My office. 3 PM.

Barking orders at me already?

Unconditional obedience or not, that wasn’t any way to start a conversation—especially after the evening we had shared.

7:54 AM: Me

Good morning to you, too.

7:56 AM: Alexander

You have to fill out some paperwork so that I can get you on the payroll.

Pleasure at night. Business by day. Check!

I knew this arrangement with Alexander was going to be a slippery slope, one I’d have to navigate carefully. I just didn’t realize how icy it would be.

8:00 AM: Me

Sure. But I work until 5.

8:02 AM: Alexander

Leave early.