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“No risk.”
I argue, “All risk.”
“I promise you; I will take care of you. No matter what.”
A shudder leaves my lungs at his words. My mind is warring with my desire to fall into this delusion of peace he’s offering me, very aware that words mean nothing in the grand scheme. He could pull out of this deal at any moment. I’m the one with everything on the line.
“I’m so afraid. And I’m so—” the word cracks on a sob. “So tired.”
Dark eyes search mine. “Do you trust me to take care of you?”
“No.”
Smoke and shadow dance deep within his eyes. This man is pulling me in, pulling me under. It’s a wonder I’m not even gasping for air. “You will.”
I don’t expect it when he tips his head forward and presses his mouth to mine. It’s the second time he’s kissed me, with no one there for the show. Unlike the first time he kissed me with the dominance of a man far beyond my experience, this time is gentle. A soft, assuring sweep of warm lips against mine.
I suck in air, tasting him in my lungs. Cigar smoke and cinnamon hearts and everything dark.
“Cash,” I protest. “This isn’t real.”
“Let me in, Kitten,” he urges in reply, teeth nipping at my bottom lip. “Let me taste you.”
I don’t know how he does this to me, awakening me like this. All flame.
“I can’t.” My hands curl into his chest and I push. Desperation builds inside me as I try and fail to make sense of this man who studies me now. Who pushed his way into my life and turned it all upside down.
I’m the first to speak, “You keep doing that.”
His eyes never leave me. “Doing what?”
“Kissing me when there’s no one around to see it.”
He brings a hand up, sliding the side of his thumb over his bottom lip. “Practice.”
I’m lost. “For what?”
“For when we need it to look real in front of someone else. I can’t have you jumping out of your skin every time I touch you, kiss you, in front of other people. I do it while we’re alone, it’ll start feeling natural.”
Well, that makes sense. “Okay.”
“Go get your bag.” He takes a single step back, giving me the space to escape him. “Meet me at the bar.”
“Why?” I don’t have the energy for drinks tonight.Ineverdrink, but I did that night at Club Violet and look what happened.
“I’m driving you home.”
I think my body sighs with relief. No bus tonight. No walking in the dark in the cold—just a warm ride and bed. Again, I agree, “Okay.”
With that, Cash turns and strolls back into the club where loud music from another live band plays. This time, it’s a girl band—and even in my tired state—I can admit they’re crushing it.
eleven
Wrenlee
I wake to something soft and dark, startling when I realize I’m in my room in Cash’s condo, alone.
How did I get here?
