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We aren’t normal, though. We share that macabre trait. Forced to fit our greatness into premade boxes. Forever frozen in stagnation, unable to grow, except through our art. It’s clear she doesn’t place her trust in many. But I’ll do whatever it takes to earn it.

18

It’s been two days since I gave the man the location for this park. If he doesn’t come tonight, I may lose what little patience I have left. As much as I enjoy nature, crouching behind a tree every time someone walks by is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

Shuffling my feet to ease some of the pain from standing on uneven ground, I survey the area again. I suppose I could have chosen the wrong spot in the park, but the central tree is the only one capable of withstanding the weight of a body. Resting my head against the trunk, I close my eyes and hope he at least shows up.

My back takes the brunt of the stress from constantly standing for several hours.

Movement catches my eye across the path, and my senses come to life. I hone on the tree line behind the large oak. I thought he’d be more cautious knowing I’d be here.

My foot lifts to step forward when a gloved hand passes my line of vision. The cold leather-covered hand presses against my mouth. The bristle of his beard brushes along my ear. His free arm snakes around my waist, pulling me into him. I try to turn, but his grip holds me in place. Every nerve in my body ignites beneath his touch.

“Good evening, darling…”

Ethan nestles his head into my hair. His chest expands against my back as he takes a deep inhale. The growl accompanying the release of his breath stokes the heat gathering between my legs. Ethan’s soft lips lightly graze my ear as he lowers his head to my shoulder. His hot breath feathers my earlobe. The sensation nearly makes me moan as he begins to whisper in my ear.

“I knew you would be here. I just couldn’t resist seeing you again so soon…”

The arm around my waist relaxes slightly. His thumb rises to brush the side of my breast. My nipples peak sharply before his hand glides slowly down my side. My body, starved of attention, calls for more of his touch. I throw the curve of my ass back against his body. Even between the layers of our clothes, I make out the rigidness of his cock imprinting on my ass. His fingers dig into my sides as he lets out a hiss.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish. I promise if you start it, I’ll finish you.” His arm falls away.

Turning to face him, I’m equally frustrated and dizzy from the heat still coursing through my veins.

“What the fuck was that?” I say with as much venom as I can muster.

“You didn’t seem that upset about it if we’re being honest here, darling. You backed up into me.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

Even in the moonlight, his sapphire eyes stay locked on mine, drawing me in. Shaking my head in an attempt to break the trance, I try to compose what rational thought I have left.

“That was a defensive strategy,” I bite back.

He raises his hands in mock surrender.

“I am coming to you with an idea of a truce.”

My eyes narrow. I don’t trust any version of truce that comes out of this man’s mouth. Still, the idea itself doesn’t sound terrible. Anything to get him off my case would be welcome. This cat-and-mouse game has distracted me from my original search long enough.

“I’m listening.”

He straightens abruptly, suddenly resembling a human meerkat.

“What if…we be nice to each other?”

My expressions remain still as I wait for him to provide more details of this “plan.” After several awkward minutes of silence, I realize he’s completed his explanation.

“Really? That’s your plan? We just be nice to each other?”

He nods, clearly uncomfortable with my response.

“Not much of a plan, is it? What exactly is your idea for sharing the area? Because last time I checked, you still wanted me to leave?”

He rubs the back of his neck. His lips purse as he turns his head to the side.

“Ah, yes…well, about that…I haven’t quite figured that out yet.”

I roll my eyes.