https://ebookmass.com/product/tainted-desire-an-enemies-to-
Gold Thom Nicholson
https://ebookmass.com/product/pinkertons-gold-thom-nicholson/
ebookmass.com
Design Thinking for Tech: Solving Problems and Realizing Value in 24 Hours George W. Anderson
https://ebookmass.com/product/design-thinking-for-tech-solvingproblems-and-realizing-value-in-24-hours-george-w-anderson-2/
ebookmass.com
It Cannoli Be Murder Catherine Bruns
https://ebookmass.com/product/it-cannoli-be-murder-catherine-bruns/
ebookmass.com
5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics C 2024 Greg Jacobs
https://ebookmass.com/product/5-steps-to-a-5-ap-physics-c-2024-gregjacobs/
ebookmass.com A Textbook of Data Structures and Algorithms, Volume 1 G. A. Vijayalakshmi Pai
https://ebookmass.com/product/a-textbook-of-data-structures-andalgorithms-volume-1-g-a-vijayalakshmi-pai/
ebookmass.com
(eBook PDF) African Americans, Combined Volume: A Concise HIstory, Combined Volume 5th Edition
https://ebookmass.com/product/ebook-pdf-african-americans-combinedvolume-a-concise-history-combined-volume-5th-edition/
ebookmass.com
Allrightsreserved
Thecharactersandeventsportrayedinthisbookarefictitious Any similarity torealpersons,livingordead,iscoincidentalandnotintendedby theauthor Nopartofthisbookmay bereproduced,orstoredinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinany formorby any means,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise,withoutexpresswritten permissionofthepublisher
TurnitPublishingLLC
112BartramOaksWalk#600981 Jacksonville,FL32260
eBookISBN:979-8-9867417-9-6
PaperbackISBN:979-8-9884879-4-4
ASIN:B0C6L1K4D2
PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica
To the good girls who can’t resist bad boys… may you find passion in the darkness.
Copyright
Dedication
Playlist
ContentWarning
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
MoreBooksbyKimberlyQuay
Playlist “CarelessWhisper”bySeether “TheLoneliest”byMåneskin “ceilings”byLizzyMcAlpine “Stay”byRihanna “EarnedIt”byTheWeeknd “Beggin’”byMåneskin “BeautifulThings”byBensonBoone “LoseYouToLoveMe”bySelenaGomez “IWannBeYourSlave”byMåneskin “Daylight”byDavidKushner “ForYourLove”byMåneskin “OnlyLoveCanHurtLikeThis”byPalomaFaith “SomewhereOnlyWeKnow”byKeane “Walkin’AfterMidnight”byKi:Theoryfeat MauraDavis “Lately”byLeraLynn “BringingMeDown”byKi:Theoryfeat Ruelle “Valentine”byMåneskin “RoomFor2”byBensonBoone
Content Warning Tomylovelyreaders, Thisbookcontainscontentthatmaybedifficultforsome,suchasdiscussionsof&makinglightofmurderandviolence, mentionofpastchildabuse/neglect,profanity,explicitsexscenes,possibledubconinonescene(dependingonyour interpretation)
It’spossibleI’veunintentionallyleftsomethingout,butItrustyoutoknowyourlimitsbeforecontinuing.
Muchloveandhappyreading, KimberlyQuay
ChapterOne Chelsea I nadimlylitballroom,aprivatemasqueradepartywasinfullswing Anintoxicatingmixofsecrecyandlustfilledtheairas Iweavedmywaythroughthecrowd.Bodieswereentwinedinpassionateembraces,withmasksconcealingtheiridentities, allowingtheattendeestofreelyexpresstheirinnerdesires.
Thenotesofsensualmusicaddedtotheseductiveatmosphere,settingtheperfectbackdropformytemporaryescapefroma lifeofstrivingforperfection.MyheartpoundedinmychestasInavigatedthroughtheseaofdisguisedstrangers.
Mymask,adelicatecreationthatconcealedonlytheupperhalfofmyface,allowedmetoobservetheforbidden indulgenceswithoutinhibition.Theblackwigthathidmynaturalfieryredhairandthetightlacebacklessdressclingingtomy bodywereafarcryfrommyusualchef’shatandapron.
Bywearingthedisguiseattheparty,Iwasabletoescapetheconfinesofmyeverydayexistenceandentertheclandestine realmofindulgenceknownasNocturneElysium
Theallureofthegatheringwasintoxicating.Hiddenfromtheworldinaneighteenth-centurymansionthatmostthoughthad beenabandoned,peopleengagedinvarioussexualactsallaroundme,lostinthethroesoftheirdeepestdesires
Theymetinshadowedcorners,darkhallways,andnot-so-privaterooms.Itwasaplacewherethepretenseofperfection crumbled,andraw,unbridledpassionreignedsupreme
AsIturneddownalongcorridor,Isawhim.
Intheshadowsofthehallway,toweringovertherestoftheguests,stoodamysterious,incrediblybroadmandressed entirelyinblack.I’dneverseenhimatthepartiesbefore,andtherewasnowayI’dmisshisimposingpresence.
Hisfullmaskhidhisfeatures,makinghimanenigmainthealreadysurrealworldofthemasquerade.Theintensityand mysteryheexudedpiquedmycuriosity,drawingmetohimasifinatrance.
AsIapproachedhim,myheartpoundedwithamixtureofexcitementandtrepidation EverytimeI’dattendedtheparty,I’d embracedtheroleofavoyeur,enjoyingtheinhibitionwithoutparticipating.Yetthenew,darkstrangerignitedsomethinginme, somethingthatmademewanttorewritemyrole.
Likeadream,thecrowdseemedtopartaroundme,clearingthepathtohim.Heremainedstill,anddespitethemask obscuringhiseyes,IcouldfeelhisgazeonmeasImoved,sendingadeliciousshivertorundownmyspine.
AsImovedcloser,myeyeslockedontohis,searchingforanyhintofwhatlaybeneath.WhenIstoodonlyinchesfromhim, mybreathquickenedasIfelttheelectrifyingconnectionbetweenus.Inthisdark,secretworld,Icravedtheforbidden,the dangerous Andinthatmoment,IknewIhadfounditinhim
Thoughwedidn’tspeak,ourbodylanguageconveyedoursilentpromises.Hetookmyhandinhis,leadingmedownthe hall Thepartypulsedaroundus,asymphonyofwhisperedconfessions,stolenglances,andmaskedidentities Hestoppedin frontofanemptyroom,quietlyinvitingmetojoinhiminside.
Mygazefixedonthespaciousbed,leavingmetornbetweenuncertaintyanddesire Inthatdimlylithallway,Istoodonthe precipiceofsomethingthrillingandperilous.WasIreadytoletgoofmycarefullyconstructedfaçadeandembracethe darknessthatcalledtome?
HishandroseandthegentlesweepofhisthumbacrossmylipsgavemetheanswerIneeded.WithallthecourageIcould muster,Icrossedthethresholdintotheroom.Thedoorshutwithasoftclick,lockingusinside,andhemovedupbehindme.
Anothershivercoursedthroughmeashisfingermadeadelicatepathupmybareback Hishandsmoothlymovedtocradle thefrontofmyneck,pullingmeagainsthischest.Myheadtiltedupward,seekinghisgaze,buttheroom’sdimlightkepthis eyes theonlyexposedpartofhisface shroudedinshadows
Withoutaword,heledmetowardthebed,turningmearoundtofacehim.Iremainedmotionless,lettinghimslipthethin strapsofmydressdownmyshouldersuntilthesheerfabricpooledatmyfeet Asoftmoanslippedfrommylipswhenhis fingertipstracedthecurvesofmybreasts.Themanhadn’tutteredasound,yetIwasunderhiscompletecontrol.
Histouchdrifteddownmybody,pausingtocirclemybellybutton Myhandsremainedatmysideswhilehismovedtomy hipstogentlyguidemeontothebed.Whenmybackhitthemattress,hedroppedtohisknees,pushingmylegsaswideas they’dgo
“Heyteam,”Igreeted,takingmyplaceattheheadofthetable.“Tonight’sspecialsaresimpleyetcarrythesophistication wealwaysupholdatHarvest&Hearth.Fortheappetizer,I’vepreparedtendergrilledasparagusspears.Takeamomentto savorthecrispnessofthevegetable,seamlesslyminglingwiththebourbonglaze,lendingahintofwarmthanddepth”
Ipaused,allowingthemtosavorthefirstcourse,andmyheartswelledwithprideasIheardtheirappreciativesounds.
“Movingontoourmaincourse,risottowithearthymorelmushrooms,featuringfreshspringvegetables,atouchofbourbon reduction,andcrownedwithperfectlysearedscallops.Noticehowwellthereductionaddsasubtlecomplexity,perfectly harmonizingthedish’sflavors”
OurMaîtred’,Tyrone,couldn’tcontainhisenthusiasm.“Holyshit,Chef!Thisisthebestdishyou’veevermade.”
Achuckleescapedme,andIshookmyhead.“Tyrone,yousaythateverynight.”
Heshrugged,takinganotherbite.“It’salwaystrue.”
“Thankyou,”Irespondedwithaslightbowofmyhead “Lastly,fordessert,wehavecreamygelatoinfusedwithbourbon andlavender.Noticethedelicatebalanceofwarmthfromthebourbonandfloralnotesfromthelavender.Drizzledontopis ourbourboncaramel,whichelevatesthesweetness Andtofinish,asprinkleofediblegolddust,atouchofluxury The chocolatecupaddsatouchoffuntoendthenightonajoyfulnote.”
Iwatchedthemsavortheflavors,andtheirsatisfiedmoansbroughtawidersmiletomyface
Aftereveryonefinishedsamplingthedishes,Iliftedmywineglassandsaid,“Let’shaveawonderfulservicetonight.”
Justaswewerewrappingupthetasting,therewasaknockatthedoor TyroneofferedtocheckitoutwhileIheadedback tothekitchentocontinuepreppingforthebustlingeveningahead.
“Hey,Chef,”Tyronesaid,rejoiningmewithanenvelopeinhand.“Thatguywasdeliveringthisforyou.Itseemstobe somesortofarchaiccommunicationmethod.”
IlaughedasIacceptedtheenvelope “You’renotthatmuchyoungerthanme,Ty Youknowwhataletteris” Heraisedaneyebrow.“True,butseriously,whosendslettersthesedays?Especiallythroughamessenger?”
Ishrugged,myfocusontheenvelope “Idon’tknow Let’sfindout,”Ireplied,tearingopentheletter
ChapterTwo Chelsea Insidetheenvelopewasasinglesheetofwhite,unlinedpaper.Thesenderhadtypedthenote,notonacomputer,butwithan actualtypewriter,addinganotherlayerofweirdnesstothesituation.AsIreadthewords,mybreathgrewshallow,andmy pulsequickened
Thewordsonthepagehitmewhereithurtthemost.Thesenderreallyknewhowtotargetmyvulnerabilities.Mostpeople knewmybackground,howI’dgrownup,whichmadethelistofpotentialsendersfartooextensivetosingleoutanyone person.
Hello ‘chef’, You may have fooled others with your pretentious restaurant and your so-called culinary skills, but I see right through your façade. You’re an impostor who fell into success on the coattails of your wealthy daddy. Your restaurant is a joke, and your daddy buys all your awards, making you nothing more than a puppet in this industry.
Enjoy your glory while it lasts, because one day, the world will see you for the talentless fraud you truly are. Your reputation will crumble, and all that you ’ ve built will turn to ashes.
Your days of basking in false glory are numbered Consider this a warning
Signed, Your Worst Enemy
Theletterslippedfrommytremblinghands,yetIstoodthere,staringattheemptyspaceithadoccupied.
“Wow,someonereallydoesn’tlikeyou,”Tyronesaid,reachingdowntoretrievethepieceofpaper “Weshouldcallthe police.”
Thementionoftheword police snappedmeoutofmydaze “No Don’t”Itooktheletter,foldedit,andslippeditintothe pocketofmychef’scoat.“Ifthepolicegetinvolved,themediawillcatchwindofit.We’llhavechaosoutside.Ican’triskour customersbeingcaughtinthemiddleofasensationalizedmediacircus Weonlyhavethirtyminutesuntilthedoorsopen,so let’sputthisbehindusandconcentrateontonight.”
“You’reright It’sprobablyjustarivaltryingtogetariseoutofyou,”Tyroneagreed,buthisexpressionwastightwith concern.HereturnedtohisdutiesastheMaîtred’,keepingawatchfuleyeoverthefrontofthehouse.
Ireturnedtothebustlingkitchen,focusingonmyresponsibilitiesastheheadchef.
“Areyousureyou’reokay,Chef?”Yeseniaasked,herconcernclearwhenshenoticedmyhandsshakingwhileIpickedup apan.
Iforcedawell-practicedsmileontomylipsandsteadiedmyhands “I’msure Thankyou”
Despitetheunsettlingletter,therestofthenightwentsowell,Iforgotaboutit
Hourslater,Isatinmydimlylitlivingroomwithmyfeetproppeduponthecoffeetable,aglassofwineinonehandand theblackcardfrommymysterymanintheother.Theanticipationofournextmeetingsentatinglingthrillthroughme.
Withthememoryofthenightbeforefreshinmymind,Iplacedthewineglassonthetable,laidbackonthecouch,andslid myhandintomypanties.Iexploredmysex,slowlyglidingmyfingersovermyfoldsasIthoughtaboutthemaskedman.
Howhisetherealandstrikingappearancehadhypnotizedme Thenhowhisskilledtouchhadmetossingcautiontothe wind,embracinganewfoundsenseoffreedomandbeauty.AmoanslippedfrommylipsasIslidtwofingersintomyslick opening,movingtheminalanguidpace,teasingmyself
Iimaginedmyfingerswerethemaskedman’stongue,bringingthemuptomyclit,lightlycirclingthetightbundleofnerves beforeapplyingmorepressure Imagesofhisheadbetweenmylegsashebroughtmetotheedgewithhiswickedmouthhad megettingwetterandmoredesperateforrelease.Butitwasrememberingthegutturalsoundhe’dmadewhenhetastedmethat hadmecryingout.
Mybodytensed,bringingmeupintoacrunchposition.Everymusclequiveredfromthepleasureofmyclimaxwashing overme.Astheaftershockspulsedthroughme,Ifellbackontothecouch.ItwasthebestorgasmI’deverhadfrom masturbating,butithadn’theldacandletohowhardmymaskedmanhadmademecome
Iyearnedtoknowwhohewas,toseehisface,andtosavorhislipsonmine.Yettherewasapartofmethatreveledinthe ideaofkeepinghimamystery.Itmademefeeloddlyindependentandfree,unlikeanythingI’deverexperiencedbefore.
NotknowinghisidentityofferedmeaglimpseofthewomanI’dalwayslongedtobe,morelikeLaylausedtobe.Before herrelationshipwithWes,she’dshamelesslyflirtedwithmen,butevenwithhernewlove,shecontinuedtolivewithout inhibitionandembracelife’spleasurestothefullest
Despiteherrigidandlonelyupbringing,Laylahadcarvedoutadifferentpathforherself,embracingherfreedomand unapologeticallyindulginginlife’sjoys Myparentshadshoweredmewithlove,yetthey’dalsohadcertainexpectationsabout myconduct.I’dspentmylifetryingtobecometheirintendedversionofme.
WhenIwasyoung,adrunkdriverstruckmymother,killingherbeforetheparamedicscouldevenarrive Myfather,though burdenedbygrief,persevered,providingmewiththebestupbringinghecouldmanage.Despitehisdisappointmentinmy careerchoice,hewasapillarofsupportandunwaveringinhislove.
TheNocturneElysiumpartieshaduncoveredaworldI’donlydaredtodreamof.Duringmyfirstvisit,embarrassmentand shamedrovemeawaywithinfiveminutes Then,thepurposeofthemasksbecameclear,andIeagerlyattendedthenextparty ThemasksofferedmethefreedomtobecomeanyoneIwanted,toengageinanyexperiencewithoutthefearofjudgment.
Thenon-disclosureagreement,mandatoryforallattendees,ensuredthatevenifsomeoneweretorecognizeyou,your presencewouldremainshroudedinsecrecy.ItwastheperfectopportunityformetoexplorethewomanI’dkepthiddenforso manyyears.
Thenthestrangeletterfromearlierechoedthroughmythoughts Awhirlwindofquestionsstormedmymind,extinguishing anypleasureI’dfelt.
Couldsomeonehaverecognizedmeatoneoftheparties?Wouldtheyrevealmyidentity?Ormaybetheyintendedtouse theirknowledgeasaweapontointimidateorextortme?Thenthemostchillingthoughtofallpoppedup couldmymysterious manbetheonebehindthemessage?
Thedatewithmymysterymanwasonlyaweekaway,andtheanticipationofournextmeetingmingledwiththeunease broughtonbytheletter.AsIconsideredthepossibilities,Imadeadecision…I’dbringthelettertoournextrendezvous.
Itwasariskymove,butIneededtoknowifhewasinvolved.Theimposingandmysteriousenergyheexudedhadbeen irresistible,butnowthosequalitiescastashadowofdoubtoverouraffair.Ihadtofigureitout,evenifitmeantconfrontingthe manwhohadignitedmydesiresandfearsinequalmeasure
ChapterThree Lucian “O bsidianTech”IheardthesultryvoiceofmypersonalassistantsayasIsteppedofftheelevator
WhoeverwasontheotherendofthephonehadMariarollinghereyesandshakingherhead.Herexpressionchanged fromannoyedtohorrifiedwhenshenoticedme Mariawasatalentedpersonalassistant efficient,dependable,andsexyas hell.Hervoicealonecouldmakeamandroptohisknees,butshedidn’tseemtorealizehereffectontheoppositesex.
“Mr Crossisn’tinatthemoment,butI’lltellhimyoucalled,”shesaid,typingupthemessageasshespoke IsmiledasImovedpastherdesk,amusedwhenhercheeksblushedadelicateshadeofpink.Inherflusteredstate,she accidentallyknockedoverhercoffeemugwhilehangingupthephone Amused,Iwatchedasshehurriedlytriedtosaveher keyboardfromthepuddle.
Suppressingalaugh,Imovedcloser,reachingfortissuesfromtheboxonherdesktocleanupthespill
“Myapologies,Mr.Cross,”shestammeredasshedisconnectedthecallbeforestandingandheadingtothecabinetwhere shekeptcleaningsupplies “Idon’tknowwhathappened”
Fullyawarethatithadcausedherflusteredstate,IspreadmylipsintoanothersmileasItossedtheusedtissuesintothe garbage “Don’tworryaboutit”
Steppingintomyoffice,Igaveherthetimeandspacetoregainhercomposure.Thepanoramicviewofthecitystretched outbeforemeasIsettledintomychair.Inkeepingwithmypenchantforefficiency,IkeptmyofficethewayIlivedmylife: devoidofclutterandunnecessaryitems.
Tomyleft,abookshelfdisplayedacuratedcollectionofbooksandawards,honoringObsidianTech’smanyachievements ininnovation,cybersecurity,andvarioustechnologicaladvancements I’dcommissionedtheartworkonthewallsfromarising localartist,SkyeAsher.Thepiecesaddedatouchofsophisticationtotheotherwisefunctionalspaceandservedasareminder ofthebeautyfoundinsimplicity
Acrossfromme,aseatingareafeaturedleatherchairsandalowtable,perfectforinformalmeetingsorlate-night brainstormingsessions Myofficereflectedmypersonality focused,organized,andforward-thinking
AsIstartedmyday,asharpknocksoundedonmyofficedoor.Withoutshiftingmygazefromthecomputerscreen,Icalled outforwhoeveritwastoenter
Steppingintotheroomwithanairofundeniableconfidenceandatouchofdanger,KillianAsherstrodetowardmydesk. Heepitomizedtheimageofawell-dressedbillionaire,hisimpeccablytailoredsuitcreatingastrikingcontrasttomymore casuallyrefinedattire.
“You’rehereearly,”Isaidtomylifelongfriend,mycuriositypiqued Henormallyreservedhisin-personvisitsforserious matters.
“Schaefer,”herepliedtersely.
Ididn’tneedhimtoelaboratefurther.Itwasmyresponsibilitytobeintimatelyfamiliarwitheverydetailofmyclients’ livestosafeguardtheirinterests.Variousindividuals,corporations,andgovernmentagencieshiredObsidianTech’s intelligencedivisiontodiscoverthemostclandestinedetailsabouttheirtargets Ihadaccesstoinformationonanyone,froma mailroomclerktothemostinfluentialgovernmentofficialinanynation.
WhenFrederickSchaeferfoundhimselfinKillian’scrosshairs,gainingincriminatingevidenceonhimhadbeenawalkin thepark.
Killianhadbuilthisempirebytakingoverstrugglingcompaniesandeitherrevitalizingthemforprofitorliquidatingtheir assets.However,sometimes thankstome hecameacrossdamaginginformationabouttheCEOsorownersandemployeda moreruthlessapproachtobringthemdown.
“Youknowwhathe’scapableof,”Killiansaid,hisvoicecarryinganunderlyingmenace.“Evenafterlosingeverything,he stillhasdevotedhenchmenwillingtodohisbidding”
“HethreatenedtohurtSkyeorDeclan,”Ireplied,acutelyawareoftheprioritiesinKillian’slife.Hiswifeandsonmeant moretohimthananything,evenhisvastfortune.
Killiannodded,hisgrayeyesdarkeningtoanintenseblack.Hisangerwassummoninghisdarkerside,apartofhimI’d nicknamed‘Killer.’IfIdidn’tinterveneandtakecontroloftheSchaefersituation,he’dtakeactionshe’dlaterregret.
ThebirthofhischildhadsparkedinKillianadesiretochangecertainaspectsofhimself,andresortingtomurderwas amongthetraitshewantedtoleavebehind.
“Don’tworry I’monit,”Iassuredhim,bringingupFrederickSchaefer’sfileonmyscreen “It’llbedealtwithbytheend oftheday.”
Killian’sshouldersrelaxed,andtheintensityinhiseyesreceded “Thanks,”herepliedgruffly “Youwantadrink?”Ioffered.Itwasearly,butIknewhe’dbeonedgeuntilSchaeferandhismenceasedtoexist,whichI intendedtoresolvebeforelunchtime.
“Nah,I’mgood,”hesaid,hisvoicereturningtoitsusuallowrumble.“Skyewantsmetoinviteyoutoourplaceon Saturday”
Iarchedaneyebrowandaslysmirkpulledatmylips.Killianhadalwaysbeenvehementlyagainsthavinganyoneinhis house BeforeSkyecameintohislife,Iwastheonlyoneallowedintohisprivatespace Thedinnerpartywasatestamentto Skye’sinfluenceoverhim.
Killiansquintedatmysilentdig “WesandLaylajustgotengaged,andSkyewantstohostadinnerintheirhonor Theguest listisshort:them,you,andChelsea.”
Itwashisturntobeamused.HeknewmentioningChelsea’snamewouldensuremyattendance,nomattertheevent’s purpose.
“Whattime?”Iasked,glaringathim.
“Seven,”herepliedbeforeturningandleavingmyoffice.
AfterKillianleft,Ishiftedmyfocusbacktothematterathand:FrederickSchaefer Themanwasawolfinsheep’s clothing,hidinghistruenaturebehindthemaskofasuccessfulbusinessman.ButIhadthemeanstounveilhissinistercore.
I’dalreadyuncoveredSchaefer’sworstsecretsforKillian’stakedownoveramonthago Schaeferhadskillfullyhidden them,buthissecurityteamwasnomatchformine.Hewasentangledinmorethanjustcutthroatbusinesspractices.Hehada penchantfordepravitybeyondanythingI’deverseenbefore.
WhenI’dhackedintohispersonalcomputeranddiscoveredthevideosofyoungwomenandmenbeingbrutallytortured whileSchaeferwatchedexcitedly,ithadtakenallmyself-controlnottokillhimmyself.
Heconcealedhispervertedappetiteforcrueltybehindtheveneerofaseeminglyperfectfamily Hiswifemanaged numerouscharities,andhistwosonstraveledtheglobe,aidingdisadvantagedchildrenworldwide.
Theyhadbeenlegitimatelyclean,andKillianhadsetasidealargesumofthemoneyhe’dmadefromtakingdownSchaefer forthem.TheycouldcontinuelivingthelifetheywereusedtoiftheyagreedtocuttieswithSchaefer.Ithadtakenoneanda halfminutesofonevideoforhisfamilytoacceptKillian’sdeal
Schaefer,pennilessandalone,hadtowatchashisfamilylivedinthelapofluxurywhilehesurvivedoncannedsoup.The timehadcomeforFrederickSchaefertofacethereckoningthathadlongeludedhim.
IreachedformyphoneandsentatexttomytopenforcerknownonlyasGhost.Iprovidedhimwithanaddressina dilapidatedNewJerseyneighborhoodwhereSchaeferhadtakenrefugeandtoldhimtodowhathedidbest.AsIpressedsend, IknewSchaeferwouldtakehislastbreathbeforenoon
WiththeSchaeferbusinesstakencareof,mythoughtsdriftedtothedinnerpartyonSaturday WhenKillianmentioned Chelsea’sname,myheartratehadspedup.
ChelseaandIoncesharedabriefyetintenserelationship,myonlyregretbeingthatIleftherwithoutawordnearlya decadeago I’dhadmyreasonsatthetime,butalwaysregrettedthewayI’dhandledthings
She’dgoneontofinishherculinaryeducationataprestigiousschoolinFranceandhadquicklybuiltherrestaurantintoa paragonofculinaryexcellence
ThankstoherfriendshipwithSkye,she’dreenteredmylife.EachtimeIsawher,memoriesofourshortbutintense relationshipfloodedmymind hersultrylaughter,thetendernessofhertouch,thewayherbodyfeltbeneathmine
I’dconvincedmyselfChelseawasbetteroffwithoutme,andherincrediblesuccessinsuchabriefspanoftimeseemedto supportthatbelief However,seeingheragain,beingnearher,hadignitedanunexpectedhungerwithinme
ThedinnerpartyonSaturdaygavemetheopportunitytogetclosertoher,totalkwithherandstartprovingwe’remeantto
ChapterFour Chelsea OnSaturdaymorning,ImetwithYeseniainthekitchenofHarvest&Hearthtofine-tunethemenusforthatnight’sdinner serviceandSundaybrunchthefollowingday Yeseniahadgraciouslyagreedtofillinasheadchef,allowingmetoattend dinneratSkye’sandtheNocturnepartyafterward.
Themasqueradeswouldstaymylittlesecret.NotevenSkye,myclosestfriend,wasawareoftheexclusivesoirées…or myattendanceatthem.WithYesenia’ssupportinacceptingmyresponsibilities,Icouldenjoythenightwithoutworryingabout gettingupbeforedawntopreparethebrunchservice.
WhenIwokeupthatmorning,Ifoundsomeonehadslippedasmallblackcardundermydoor Ithadthesamesilver letteringastheonemymysterymanhadgivenme,butthiscardhadanewtime.
Myfirstreactionwaspanic HeknewwhereIlived,howtogetpastthesecurityguardinmybuilding’slobby Thatmeant hecouldshowupanyhour…dayornight.
Theideaofcallingthepolicecrossedmymind,butIhesitated Itwasjustabusinesscard;hehadn’tposedanimmediate threattome.Then,thethoughtofcontactingmysecuritycompanytoupgrademysystemoccurredtome.However,hehadn’t brokenintomyapartment.
ConflictingthoughtsswirledinmymindforagoodtwentyminutesasIstoodinmyfoyerclutchingthecard.Maybehe livedinthesamebuilding Maybehewasapsychostalkerwhowouldendupkillingmeinmysleep
Ultimately,IdecidedtodiscussitwithhimthatnightatNocturneElysium.Honestly…Ireallyjustwantedtobelievehe meantmenoharm,thathisinterestwasgenuine Eventhoughasmallvoiceinthebackofmyheadwonderedhowthehellhe knewwhoIwas.
Thenewtimemovedthemeetingwithmymysterymanfromteno’clocktomidnight.Thetimechangegavemethechanceto stayatSkye’slongerthanIoriginallyplanned.Afterdinner,Iwouldn’thavetorushhometochangeforthemasquerade.I’d havethetimetoputextraeffortintogettingreadyfor him.
AsYeseniaandIwerefinishingup,Tyroneenteredthekitchenwithanotherenvelope
“HeyChef,yougotanotherletterdeliveredbyamessenger,”hesaidasItooktheenvelopefromhim.“Thisshitisgetting weird”
Decidingnottoreadtheletter,Islippeditintomypocket,determinednottoletanangrycompetitorgettome.
Yeseniaraisedaneyebrow “Shouldwebeworried,Chef?Tyisright,itisweird”
Iofferedherareassuringsmile.“Don’tworry.I’msureit’snothing.Justincase,I’llcalloursecuritycompanyandhave themsendsomeguardstokeepaneyeontherestaurant”
“Yeah,”Yeseniasaidwithasigh.“Ican’timagineanyonenotlikingyou,buttheworldisfullofsickos.” “It’llbeokay,”Isaid,hopingIwasright “Callmeifyouneedanything”
Yeseniagavemeaquickhugbeforenudgingmetowardthedoor.“Gohavefun.Youdeserveit.”
AsIlefttherestaurant,IcalledthesecuritycompanyIusedforouralarmsystemandcomputersecurity Iknew ObsidianTechalsohadpersonalsecurity,soIrequestedadiscreetbutexperiencedteamofguardstobeassignedtoHarvest& Hearthuntilfurthernotice
Thesafetyofmystaffandcustomerscamefirst.Iftherewasevenaslightchanceofsomethinghappening,Iwantedtobe prepared
Drivinghomefromtherestaurant,Icouldn’thelpbutfeelalingeringuneaseabouttheletterinmypocket.WhileIhad chosentoignoreit,therewasanaggingcuriosityaboutwhothesenderwasandtheirintentions.
AsIpulledintomybuilding’sparkinggarage,thesunwashighinthesky,castingabrilliant,goldenglowacrossthe cityscape Iparkedmycarandmythoughtsdriftedfromtheominousletterstotheanticipationoftheeveningahead,beginning withSkye’sdinnerpartyforWesandLayla.
WesandLayla’sengagementhadcomeasasurprisetome.Skye’sbrotherhadvehementlydeclaredhewouldnevermarry, andLaylahadneverseemedeagertobecomeawife.Butseeingtheirhappinessmadeitclearwhythey’dchangedtheirminds.
Inthereflectionofthewindow,IsawLucianleanbackagainsttherailingashetookasipofhisdrink.Whenhelowered theglassagain,aknowingsmirkplayedonhislipsashewatchedmewalkaway.
AsIbidmyfarewells,InoticedLucianpushoffthebalconyrailingandreenterthehouse.Heexchangedgoodbyeswith Killian,andmyeyescouldn’thelpbutfollowhiseverymoveashesteppedintotheprivateelevator.Whenourgazesmet,a tumultuousseaofemotionsragedinsideme
Sensingmyunease,Skyeofferedareassuringhug.“Chels ” “Thankyouforalovelyevening,”Iinterjected,cuttingoffwhatevershewasabouttosay “Everythingwasdelicious” Understandingfilledhereyesasshenodded.“Thatmeansalot,especiallycomingfromyou.”Hergazenarrowedslightly beforeshespokeagain.“Whenyou’rereadytotalk,youknowI’mhere.”
“Goodnight,Skye.”Mytoneremainedgentle,butmymessagewasclear:IhadnointentionofdiscussingLucian.Ever. “Goodnight,Chels,”shereplied,givingmeonemorehug
LeavingSkyeandKillian’sapartment,myheartracedwithanticipation.AsIenteredmyownapartment,Ifocusedonthe upcomingmasqueradepartyandtheallureofmymysteryman
NocturneElysiumwasexactlywhatIneededtobanishthoughtsofLucianCrossfrommymind.Anillicitaffairwithan enigmaticstrangerpromisedtohelpmeforgetmyheartache
Imeticulouslyappliedmakeup,styledmyhair,andselectedtheperfectmidnightbluedressandmaskfortheevening.To avoidanyriskofrecognition,Ichosenottousemyowncarandhiredoneinstead Ipacedmyapartmentuntilthedriversenta textsayinghewasdownstairs.Slippingonmymask,Ienteredthecarandwatchedthecitypassbyaswedrove.
Inthebackseat,excitementandanticipationmingledwithdoubt.Whatifhedidn’tshowup?Orworse,whatifhechose someoneelse?TheuncertaintygnawedatmesomuchIalmostconsideredaskingthedrivertoturnback.
Whenthecarpulleduptotheentranceofthemasqueradeparty,mynervesseemedtofadeaway AsIsteppedintothe dimlylitbuilding,myeyesimmediatelyscannedtheseaofmaskedfaces.AtfirstIdidn’tseehim,andthedoubtreturned.I wonderedifI’dmadetherightdecision.
ButwhenIturnedaround,therehewas,standingonlyinchesawayfromme.Asitdidthefirsttime,theroomnarrowed untilitfeltlikeweweretheonlytwopeopleintheworld.Anotherblackmaskcoveredhisface,shadowinghiseyes,yetour gazeslocked,andinthatelectrifyinginstant,timestoodstill
Heheldhishandouttome,andIhesitatedforabriefsecond,myheartpoundinginmychest.Then,asifinatrance,I slippedmyhandintohis,allowinghimtoleadmetothesameroomwe’dsharedthatunforgettablenight
Hesettledintoachair,hiseyesneverleavingmine.Istayedbythedoor,gazingathimwithamixofexcitementand trepidation ThoughtsofLucian,alwayslurkingintheshadowsofmymind,resurfaced Whatwouldhethinkifheknewwhere IwasandwhatIwasdoing?
WiththeimageofapossessiveandjealousLucianattheforefrontofmythoughts,warmthpooledinmycore WhenI summonedthecouragetotakeasteptowardmymaskedmysteryman,herestedhishandsonthearmsofthechair,welcoming me.Ieagerlyapproachedhim,excitedknowingtherestofthenightlayaheadofus,andIwasdeterminedtoenjoyevery moment
ChapterFive Chelsea HisshadowedeyesremainedonmeasIapproached Curiosityandanticipationswirledwithinme,butwhenIwasonly inchesawayfromhim,Ifroze.Mygazewanderedoverhisform,startingfromhismaskedface,trailingdowntothe contoursofhisshirt-cladmuscles,andfinallydowntohispowerfullegs.
Myeyesliftedbacktohis,andtheurgetouncoverhisface,tounmaskthemysteryofhisidentity,intensifiedasIcontinued tostudyhim.Hebrokemyreveriebygentlypattinghisleg,awordlessinvitation.However,Ihesitated,stillfascinatedbythe sightofhim
Hefinallytookmyhand,urgingmetositinhislap,butIremainedstanding.“Don’tbenervous,”hesaid,hisvoicemasked byavoicechanger
Theunnaturallydeeptoneofhisvoicemomentarilycaughtmeoffguard.Whydidhefeelheneededtodisguisehisvoice whenhisfacewasalreadyhidden?Ifiguredhemustbeapublicfigure,someoneeasilyrecognizable,andIeasedbackintothe moment.
Hepattedhislegagain,moreinsistentlythistime Iyielded,allowingmybodytorestonhislap Whenhishandgently settledonmybareback,athrillingshivercoursedthroughme,andIfoundmyselfinexplicablyrelaxed.
Beingsoclosetohimmademebelievehecouldneverintendmeharm However,Istillneededtoknow “Howdoyou knowwhereIlive?”
“I’mprivytoalotofthings,”hereplied,withnohintofhesitationortensioninhisbody Itwasasifhe’dexpectedmy question.
“Buthowareyouawareofme?You’veobviouslyrecognizedmeifyouknowwhereIlive.”
Hisfreehandmovedtorestonmythighs,andIalmostforgotthetopicofourconversation.Ifthepurposeofthe masqueradeswasn’ttoletdownyourguardandexplorethingsyouneverthoughtpossible,Imighthavefeltpatheticforbeing soeasilyswayedbyhispresence
“Iknoweverythingaboutyou.”
Inbothfrustrationanddisbelief,Ishookmyhead “That’snotananswer,andit’snotpossible Nooneknowseverything aboutme.Imakeitapointtoensurethat.”
Hegrunted,usinghishandonmylegstodrawmeevenclosertohim.“Ihavewaysofdiscoveringthings.I’malsohighly skilledatreadingpeople,andyou’renervous,”hesaid,echoinghisearlierobservation.
“I’mnotsurehowIfeelaboutyoubeingawareofwhoIamandwhereIlive,butIcanassureyou,I’mnotnervous,”I responded,mybodygraduallyrelaxingintohistouch.“Atleast,notaboutbeingherewithyou.”
“No?”heasked,hisfingertipstracingsoftcirclesalongmyback
Ishookmyhead.“No.I’vebeenlookingforwardtothistimewithyou.”
“Mmm,Ilikethat,”hepurred,hisunnaturaltonedeepeningevenmore “Ilikeknowingyou’vebeenthinkingaboutme” “Ihave.Alot.”MygazedriftedtomylapasIasked,“Haveyouthoughtaboutme?” Heslippedafingerundermychin,tiltingmyfacegentlyuntiloureyeslockedoncemore “Yes,”hereplied “Everysecond ofeveryday.”
“Oh,”Ibreathed,utterlycaptivatedbyhim Theprofoundimpacthehadonmeleftmestunned Menhadrarelybeensocandidwithme,andhiswordshadthrownmeoffbalance.Uncertainofhowtorespond,Ibeganto speakwithoutthinking Somehow,instinctively,Iknewhewasn’ttheonesendingmetheletters Thisgutfeelingsolidifiedthe momentIopenedupaboutthefirstintimidatingmessageIreceived.
AsIdescribedthedetailsofthenote,Ifeltashiftinhim Hishandmovedfrommylegtothearmofthechair,andhisbody tensedup.ThemoreIspoke,thetighterhisgriponthechair’sarmbecame,strengtheninguntilthewoodcreakedinprotest. “Havetherebeenothers?”heinquired,hisvoicetightasthechairgroanedbeneaththestrengthofhisgrasp “Thesecondonearrivedtoday,”Icontinued,mywordsflowingunchecked.“ThisonedemandedIclosemyrestaurantor else. ”
“Doyouhavethelettersonyou?”heasked.
Ishookmyhead.“No.Ithoughtaboutbringingthem…aboutaskingifyouweresendingthemtome,butIchangedmymind atthelastminute.”
Hisheadtiltedtotheside.“YouthinkI’mthreateningyou?”
“Youmustadmitthissituationwe’reinisodd.Evenforasecretmasqueradeparty.”
Metwithsilence,andunsureofhowtoproceed,Icontinued,mywordspouringoutunchecked AsIspoke,Iwonderedwhy Iwasrevealingsuchpersonaldetailstoamaskedstranger.Itdefiedlogicandcontradictedmyusualguardednature.Yet,with him,openingupfeltnatural…easy.IfeltIcouldconfideinhimlikeIcouldwithnooneelse.
“Thenthere’smyex…”Iblurtedoutunexpectedly.“Heleftmewithoutawordyearsago,andnowhe’sreturned.Ormaybe he’sbeenaroundallalongbutnowhe’sdecidedhewantsmeback.Ormaybeit’ssomethingelseentirely.”Iletoutan exasperatedgroan “Idon’tknowwhathewants,butheoverwhelmsmewithtextsandcalls,asifhehasnoideahowbadlyhe shatteredmyheart.”
Thehandonmybackglidedupwarduntilitcuppedthenapeofmyneck,gentlymassagingawaythetension Histouch pulledmefrommyramblings,andIrealizedI’dsharedfarmorethanintended.I’drevealedmoretohimthanIhadanyoneelse inmylife
“Youknowwhat?”IshiftedinhislapuntilIstraddledhim.“Enoughtalking.Icameheretobewithyou,toescapethe worldoutside.Toforgetmyproblemsandmylifeforawhile.”
Inasurprisingmove,hestood,effortlesslycarryingmetothebedwherehelaidmedownasifIwereaporcelaindoll. “Tellmewhatyouwant,”hesaid,lookingdownatmefrombehindhismask.
“Anything Iwant?”Iasked,bitingmylipasIwaitedforhisresponse Whenhenoddedapangofneedhitmesohard,my handslidbetweenmylegs.“Mmm,showmeyourface.”Mywordscameoutasabreathlessmoan.
Hegruntedandshookhishead “Anythingbutthat I’mhereforyou,topleasureyou”Hekneltonthefloorinfrontofme “Tellmewhatyouwant.HowcanIhelpyouforgetlifeforawhile?”
Aswirloftantalizingthoughtsdancedthroughmymind.VisionsofwhatIwantedhimtodotomehadmyfacewarming.It wassillytobeshyafterI’dletthemangodownonmethefirstnightwemet.Andwehadn’tevenofficiallymet.
“Don’tbeshy,”hesaidinhisalteredvoice “We’reheretoliveoutourdeepestfantasies Tellmeyours Letmegiveyou whatyouwant.Youdon’thavetoholdbackorfeelashamedwithme.Whenwe’retogether,you’refreetobewhoeveryou want”
Ashespoke,hisfingersdancedalongmyinnerthighssendingshiversofdelightthroughme.Hisencouragementcombined withthealmostpainfultinglesofneedhistouchbroughtonhadmeshovingasidemyapprehension
“Fuckme,”IwhisperedasIliftedmydressandspreadmylegs.“Youmademecomewithyourmouthlasttime,thistimeI wantyouinsideme.”ThewordsescapingmylipswereunlikeanyIhadeverspokenbefore.Itwasasthoughbeingwithhim hadreleasedthedeepestrecessesofmybeing,thepartsIthoughtI’dneverletanyonesee.
Adeep,otherworldlygrowlescapedhim.“Gladly,”hemurmured,risingtostandagain.
Hopingtoseemoreofhim,Iheldmybreathasheunfastenedhispants.Whenheonlyunzippedthem,Ifrownedalittle.He seemeddeterminedtokeephimselfhiddenfromme.Eventheshirthewore,similartothefirstnight,cloakedhimfromneckto wrists,leavingonlyhishandsbaredtoview
Ialmostsaidsomething,almostaskedhimtostripforme,butthosethoughtsflewfrommymindwhenhefreedhiserection. Soenthralledbythesizeofhim,Ifoundmyselfsittingup,myfingersinstinctivelywrappingaroundhisshaft
Liftingmygazetohis,Imovedmyhandoverthesilky,hardlengthofhim.“Letmeseemoreofyou,”Ibreathed,practically begging
“No.Thisisallyou’llsee,”hesaid.“Nowliebackandspreadyourlegsforme.”
Withouthesitation,Ididasheasked Asherangedhimselfoverme,Islidmydressuptomyneck,baringmyselftohim “Don’tbegentle,”Imoanedwhenhelinedupthecrownofhiscockwithmyentrance.
“What’syoursafeword?”heasked “Mysafeword?”Irepeated,confused.“I’veneverhadonebefore.”
Hecuppedmycheekinhishand,caressingitwithhisthumb “Pickonenow” Aflickerofconcerncrossedmymind,fearingwemightventureintounfamiliarterritory.Hesitantly,Ibitmylip.“Um,isn’t
“Don’ttrytobefunny,”Isaid,tryingtositup,butheheldmeinplace.“Doyouhaveanyideahowfrustratingthisis?You sayyouknoweverythingaboutme.You’vebeentomyapartment.YetIcan’thearyourrealvoiceorevenseeyourneckoryour wristsoryour lips”
Hetiltedhisheadalittle.“Whydoyouwanttoseemylips?”
“Don’tplaynaïve,”Iresponded,myfrustrationgrowing “You’veeatenmeoutandfuckedmetonearoblivion akiss wouldbenice.”
Tomysurprise,heliftedhismaskeversoslightly,exposinghislips Hishandmovedtocradlemythroat,anglingmyface intotheperfectpositionasheloweredhishead.
Whenourlipsmet,hetracedthecontourofmymouthwithhistongue,drawingasoftmoanfromdeepwithinme.Thekiss wassoftandsweet,leavingmeyearningtouncoverhisidentityevenmore.
Despitemylackofknowledgeabouthim,hewasquicklybecomingmyidealman Heseemedgenuinelydedicatedto pleasingme,makingmeexplorethepartsofmyselfI’dkepthiddenforsolong.Tall,dark,andpowerful,hefocusedonmeina waynoothermaneverhad
Well,thatwasn’tentirelytrue.Therehadbeenoneotherman,butthathadendedbadly.
AgroanescapedmewhenIrealizedthepathmythoughtshadtaken alwaysrevertingtoLucian HadhehurtmesomuchI waswillingtolettheattentionsofacompletestrangerfoolmeintobelievingIwasfallinginlove?
DecidingIwasn’tthatdesperate,IremindedmyselfthewholepointofNocturnElysiumwastoindulgeinfantasies.I couldn’tsurrendertotheallureofthedarkdreamthatwasmymysteryman.That’sallhewas:adream.Ineededtokeep remindingmyselfofthat.
Asheendedthekiss,Igazedupathim,myattentionfixatedonhislipsandstrongchin “Thankyou,”Iwhispered,myvoicebarelyaudible.“Istillwanttoknowwhoyouarethough.”
Hisfingerstracedadelicatepathalongmyneckandjawline.“Youwill,”heassuredmeafterloweringhismaskagainto disguisehisvoice.Histouchsentshiversdownmyspine.“Intime,I’llrevealmyidentityandshareanythingyouwantto know.”
Excitementsurgedwithinme.Hehadn’tintendedtoremainamystery.Hehadn’tplannedtoconfineouraffairtothe masqueradesalone Itexceededmyexpectations,yetitfulfilledeveryhopeIhad “Youpromise?”
“Yes,Ipromise.”
IknewIwasactingfoolishandperhapsabitcrazy,buthisvowfilledmewithhope Ihadonlybeenwithhimtwice,but therewassomethingabouthimthatmademefeelmorecomfortableinmyownskinthanIeverhad.
Pressinghislipstomineforanotherlingeringkiss,hemurmured,“Ihavetogo You’llhearfrommesoon”
Ashepreparedtoleave,heretrievedablackbusinesscardfromhispocket.“Inthemeantime,ifyoureceiveanymoreof thoselettersorifyoueverfeelunsafe,callthisnumber”
Acceptingthecardfromhim,Iwatchedashestraightenedhisclothesbeforesteppingoutoftheroom.
Thatnight,Idreamedherevealedhimselftome,butinsteadofahandsomestranger,itwasLucianbehindthemask
intenseeyecontact,Idiscreetlyslippedmyhandintoherpocketandretrievedthecrumpledpieceofpaper. Theintimateactsentashiverdownmyspine,andthoughIhiditwell,Icouldn’thelpbutfeelarushofexhilarationbeing soclosetoher.
“What’sthis?”Iaskedoncemore,unfoldingthepaper,myvoicelowandgentle. Ismoothlyevadedherattemptstosnatchtheletterfrommyhand.“Thatisnoneofyourbusiness,”sheretorted,hervoice rising.
Turningawayfromher,Ireadthethreateningwordsonthepaper.WhenIfacedheragain,Iclenchedmyjawandballedup thelettertightlyinmyfist.
“Howmanyofthesehaveyoureceived?”Idemandedthroughclenchedteeth.
“Thisdoesn’tconcernyou.Ihaveitundercontrol,”sheinsisted,slappingmyarmasshetriedtogetmetoreleasetheletter. “Howmany,Chelsea?”Ipressed.
Shemetmygazedefiantly,butatraceofconcernflickeredinhereyes.Thatsmallwrinklebetweenherbrowstuggedatmy protectiveinstincts,makingmewanttokeephersafe Myhandreachedoutinstinctively,gentlytuckingastraylockofhair behindherear.
“Tellmehowmany,”Iwhispered “No,”sheresponded.Sherefusedtoanswerme,buthertonehadsoftened,becomingslightlybreathy.
Ourintricatedancehadresumed,butitwastooearlytomakemymove.Ineededtobidemytimeandearnhertrust.Only thencouldIbecertainshewasreadytostartthingsagain.Untilthen,I’duncovertheidentityofthepersonsendingherthose lettersandputanendtothem Permanently
“Whydoyouevencare?”shesaid,hervoicesosoftthatIalmostdidn’thearher.
She’dloweredhergazetothefloor,andIgentlyslippedafingerunderherchin,coaxinghertoraiseherhead “Youmay notunderstand,andIdon’tblameyou,butIdo care.Icareaboutyou.Tellmehowmanymessagesyou’vereceived.Please.”I letmyhanddropbutstayedclosetoher
“Thisisthethird,”shereplied,hervoicesteadybuttherewasaflickerofconcerninhereyes.
Thefactthatshewasbeingthreatenedignitedasimmeringragewithinme,onethatIstruggledtohide Icouldtellshe sensedmyangerbecauseherentirebodytensed,andherclenchedfistsslowlyloweredtohersides.
“Lucian…”shecautioned,hervoicecarryingawarning.“Don’t.”
Asmyeyesremainedlockedonhers,mymindwasalreadyimaginingwhatI’ddotothepersonbehindtheletters.“I’lltake careofit,”Iresponded,thetingeofangerunmistakablyalteringmytone.
“Dammit,Lucian,no,”shesaid,herhandsreturningtoherhipsasshestoodstraighter.
Icouldn’thelpbutsmirk Thatdefiantstanceofherswasoneofmyfavorites Itmeantshewasabouttostandherground, somethingsherarelydid,butitalsoputherbreastsondisplay.Theperky,roundorbspressedagainstherchef’sjacket,andit tookallmycontrolnottotakeherrightthereinthemiddleofherrestaurant.
Sheopenedhermouthtosaysomethingelsebutabruptlystopped,narrowinghereyes.“Ohno,”shemuttered,shakingher head.“Iknowthatlook,andyou’vegottobekiddingme.”
“Ican’thelpitifyou’resexywhenyou’reannoyedwithme,”Ireplied
Shetookasteptowardme,herexpressioncarryingenoughvenomtopoisonasnake.“Let’sgetsomethingsstraight,shall we?Youwillnottakecareofanythingforme Youwillstoplookingatmelikethat Andyouwillgivemebacktheletterand leave.”
Iheldthenoteupandoutofherreach,mygriptightandresolute “You’rekiddingyourselfifyouthinkI’llletthisgo,”I replied,closingthegapbetweenuswithanotherdeliberatestep.“ThisisnotsomethingI’llforgetorignore.Whoeversentthis crossedaline,andtheywillpayforit”
Withanexasperatedgroan,sheinchedclosertome.“Idon’tneedyourhelp.Ihavesecurityguardswatchingtherestaurant dayandnight.And,mostimportantly,Icantakecareofmyself.”
Iwaswellawareofhersecuritydetail.Whatshedidn’tknowwasthatI’densuredshehadthebest,mosthighlytrained, anddeadliestguardsnotonlyforherrestaurantbutalsofollowingher everymove
“Bemadatmeallyouwant,butIwon’tletthisgountilI’vetakencareofwhoeverisbehindtheseletters,”Isaid,closing
thedistanceuntilourbodieswerealmosttouching Icouldfeelthewarmthofheragainstmychest,andmyhandsachedwith theneedtotouchher.
“Youareinsufferable,”shegrumbled.
Thecontrastinoursizeshadalwaysfascinatedme.Atfivefeetthreeinches,shestoodafullfootshorterthanme,andI rememberedalltoowellhowperfectlymyarmscouldenvelopherpetiteyetcurvyfigure
Becauseofourproximity,shehadtotiltherheadbacktolookmeintheeye.Herfeaturessoftened,andsherelaxedher stance “Lucian,please,don’tgetinvolved,”shewhispered,tryingadifferenttactic,onethathadworkedonmemorethanI likedtoadmit.
Shehadawayofgettingmetodoanythingshewantedwithjustabatofhereyelashes.“Please,leaveitbe,”shecontinued. “Justgobacktowhereveryouranofftoandleavemealone.”
Makethatalmost anythingshewanted “Youshouldknowbynow,Idon’twalkawayfromachallenge”Iletmyhandslide aroundherback,pullingheragainstme.“AndIalwaysgetwhatIwant.”
Hergazeturnedtostone,herbodytensingoncemore “Ifyouwantedme,youshouldn’thaveleftme”Herwordscut throughthechargedatmosphere,lacedwithahintofbitterness.
“Chef?”theMaîtred’interjected,breakingthetensionbetweenus “Leave,”shedemanded,herfingerspressingintomychestasshepushedmeaway.“Ihavetogobacktowork.”
Allowingmyarmtoslidefromherwaist,Iyielded “BeforeIgo,youmustpromisetocallmeifanotherletterarrives” Hergazeremainedfixedonme,asilentbattleragingwithinher.Afterafewbeats,herjawtightenedwithresolve.“IfI promise,willyoufinallyleavemealone?”
Iplacedmyhandovermyheartandnoddedsolemnly.“Iwon’treachoutunlessyoudosofirst.”
“Fine I’llcallyouifanotherlettercomes”Withthat,shepivotedonherheelandreturnedtothekitchen,leavingme watchingheruntilthedoorsclosedbehindher.OnlythendidIturnandwalkbacktomycar…withtheletterstillclutchedin myhand
