AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I want to create a line for girls with symbols of great women to inspire them. Something characteristic of themselves.”
“I think that is brilliant,” I say.
“Would you help me with the symbols? I heard you’re a computer genius or something.”
I feel my cheeks heat and nod.
“That’s great, thank you. Can you take care of Celia while I bring the sketches?” she asks Aurora.
She pins her with a look. “She’s my goddaughter. Do you have to ask?”
When Chiara leaves, Aurora says, “I hope you’re ready. She’s a drill sergeant.”
While the kids play in the grass, she asks, “How’s life with my brother?”
Challenging. Arousing. “Scary.”
She sighs, melancholy washing over her face as she looks at her childhood home. “I love him deeply, but something tells me Cam doesn’t think he deserves it. Most of the time, I think he wouldn’t even know what to do with such a feeling. He’s a protector and a wolf underneath all that charisma.”
“I think he’s lonely.”
“He is.”
Chiara jogs back over, smiling from ear to ear, ending our chat.
By the time we finalize the symbols—twenty pieces showing a marriage of art and science—time seems to have slipped away.
I take the sketches with me to run through Photoshop. It’s exciting and thrilling. As we say our goodbyes, I realize that not once did the edge of anxiety stir within me.
Still, my conversation with Aurora plays on repeat in my head. Is Cameron truly lonely or is he merely guarding his heart?
Back in my office, I put the sketches aside before stepping into the shower. It now takes me less time than usual, and my skin hasn’t turned red from my normal scrubbing. Stepping out, I drag my hand down the mirror, staring at myself in the unfogged part.
What am I ready to uncover?
I dress in my walk-in closet, choosing a pair of black skinny jeans and a blouse. My neck is exposed, and I trace a line from my ear to my neck with my finger. I swap my wig for a gray one with pale blue tips—it’s a bit more playful and brings a smile to my lips. I can do this.
I go downstairs. Cameron is dressed in casual slacks and a button-down shirt in the dining room. He looks exceptionally good in everything.
He takes me in, his eyes zoning in on my exposed neck. Satisfaction ripples through me as I see him swallow hard.
“I thought you wouldn’t stick to our agreement.”
I know he expected it and wanted it, even. “Hmm, afraid?”
“Keep taunting me. You’ll pay the consequences for teasing and tempting me. You’ll be on your back so quick, you won’t even have time to react while I have my way with you.”
He smirks. A blush creeps up my neck, heating my body.
Clearing my throat, we eat in silence until he eyes my wig. “Why different colors?”
Shouldn’t I be asking him the questions? We’re having dinner, so I will take this for the small talk it is.
“Felt like a change.”
“So why black?”
“How was your day?”
