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“Uh-oh.” She laughed. “Anytime. Have fun!”
“Thanks.” I waved and disconnected the call then stood. “Rex? Where are you, buddy?”
I frowned down at the empty living room. Hedgie was sleeping peacefully, but the house was quiet. Too quiet. And as I glanced around, my sense of dread only grew.
I jogged to the kids’ room, my robe fluttering about my thighs. Empty. No sign of Rex.
“Rex?” I called again.
He growled, and then it sounded like he was struggling with something.Oh no, what’s he into this time?After the string incident, I was paranoid about leaving him alone. He was too curious for his own good. He couldn’t be trusted.
He growled again, and I cringed. I’d already checked several places, and judging from the sounds, there was only one place he could be. I really did not want to go into Tristan’s room, so I tried to lure Rex out with something I knew he couldn’t resist.
“Rexy. You want a treat?”
When he didn’t come, I knew whatever he’d found wasdefinitelysomething he shouldn’t be messing with. I took a few steps closer to Tristan’s room, still hesitant to cross the threshold.
“Rex,” I chided, creeping farther into the room. “Come here.”
Tessa’s nightstand was bare apart from a lamp, though Tristan had cleared it weeks ago. But now, he’d removed any photos of her in the room. That was new—at least from the last time I’d peeked in here. He’d ditched the patterned duvet cover, leaving white sheets and a white down comforter.
I wondered what had prompted Tristan to make all those changes. I wondered if it had anything to do with me.
Rex snarled, and when I rounded the corner to Tessa’s closet, my heart sank. He had her shoe in his mouth, and he was gnawing on it. A box with the word “Donate” written on it had been overturned. Shoes littered the floor, and several dresses as well. There were scraps of fabric and leather and…
“Rex. No!”
I tried to grab the shoe from his mouth, but he thought it was a game. I tugged, and he pulled, my hair falling in my face as I grunted and tried to wrest it from his mouth. I lost my grip and flew backward, landing on my butt. I could’ve sworn he smirked.
I glared at him. “Rex.”
He barked in triumph as he darted past me, taking off with his treasure.Great,I sighed.Just freaking great.
I was tempted to go after him, but the damage was already done. At least the shoe might keep him busy while I cleaned up and tried to salvage what I could.
Ugh. What a mess.
I crouched down, grabbing everything that was still intact and returning it to the “Donate” box. Then I moved on to the clothes. Tessa’s closet was nearly empty, and I assumed the few items Tristan had kept were for the kids or for sentimental reasons.
I spotted a dress Tessa had worn when she and the kids had visited me in Melbourne. It was white with a peasant chic sort of vibe to it. I smiled, though sadness followed quickly on its heels. I’d always loved this dress, probably because I associated it with exploring St. Kilda and taking the kids to Luna Park. It was the last time I’d seen my sister in person.
I held it to my nose, the scent of her lingering on the material along with the memories. I smiled and slowly opened my eyes, spying my reflection in the mirror. I held Tessa’s dress up to my body, wondering if it would fit.
I glanced around the room as if to confirm I was alone, making my way toward the door. I crossed the hall to my room and untied my robe. I slipped into the dress, the feel of the material gliding over my skin decadent. Sensual.
The dress was tighter on me than it had been on my sister, my curves barely encased by the material. I wondered if Tristan would like how it looked on me. I wondered if he’d like the feel of my body.
And while I did, I closed my eyes and squeezed my breasts, letting out a small moan. Unable to stop, I let my hand drift lower, dipping beneath my panties.
I imagined his reaction. His hunger. I’d seen him look at me with desire, and I imagined him finally snapping and losing control. Giving in to this, to me.
“Oh god, Tristan,” I whispered. “Yes.”
I pretended my finger was his, his lips caressing my neck. His hand on my breast.
I heard a noise and figured it was just Rex, so I ignored it. I needed to talk to Bennett about obedience school for that dog. But first, I really,reallyneeded to come.
The pressure was rising. My fingers sliding against my clit, my arousal coating my skin. I could envision it all so clearly, it was as if Tristan were standing there with me. It felt so real.
