I can’t tell you.
Letting the backs of my fingers glide along her arm. “Do you trust me?”
“I think I do. I know I want to.” Her fingers pick at the loose cotton on her pants. “But I don’t even know what you look like.”
Despite being a controlled and calculated man, I can be impulsive at times, especially when it comes to her. She’s different—unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Her presence draws me in to want to show her who I really am, even if she might not look at me the same way again. With that, I have agreed to let her be part of this process and at some point, she’s going to see me without a mask, so what’s the point in waiting?
I straighten back into my seat, breathing in deeply. Then without a word, I grip the bottom of my mask. From my peripheral I catch her unwavering stare, watching me reveal the features hidden underneath the fabric. When my face is free, I turn to her and notice a flush creeping up her neck and cheeks. It brings a lightness to my chest.
The air inside the car is thick with tension. Lux blinks a few times, then looks away.
“Now you know what I look like,” I say, trying to break palpable energy.
Lux’s head slowly turns back toward me, leaning over the center console. She brings her face only inches from mine. “You’re exactly how I thought you’d look.”
A light rumble of laughter catches me off guard. “I hope that’s a good thing.”
My eyes fall to her lips, so close her words dust my lips. “It is.”
Fighting the urge to bring my mouth to hers, I back up a little. But to my surprise, she moves with me, maintaining the same distance.
She wants to kiss me. And, fuck, I want to kiss her too.
But I can’t. I’ve already let her in too much, and if I’m not careful this would end badly for both of us.
“We should get you inside,” I say, while my insides twist with anticipation of the regret of not kissing her as soon as I get back to the manor.
“Okay,” Lux says. Slowly drawing back, I can feel the separation between us. She opens the door, but before stepping onto the street, she turns back facing me fully. “River, I do trust you.”
And if I wasn’t putty in her hands before, I am now.
After I watch her safety get into her house, I linger outside in my car for a little longer, finding the will to leave her.
Chapter 15
Lux
In a lucid vision, vibrant with onyx and rose, River’s massive body lays on me, pressing me into the frigid cement floor. Intertwined in an ocean of blood dripping from the walls, he thrusted into me. His elbows bent beside my head, while his delicious mouth peppered my lips and chin with soft, sensual kisses.
The ginger rays of dawn settling beyond the horizon set off my internal clock dragging me into a restless slumber.I dreamed of River last night. Like I have over the past week since he dropped me off and we almost kissed.
The feelings still linger from that night we searched Rich’s house when I was mesmerized by River’s movements as he took off his mask. First, I caught a glimpse of his lips—they were plump and inviting, followed by his nose and finally those endless dusky eyes. If I hadn’t been sitting in his car, my knees would have weakened, causing me to fall to the ground. I can still feel the unexpected sharp breath as my eyes traced his perfect bone structure and the light stubble on his chin. He looked no older than early thirties.
He should not have been hiding that face.
River has been outside my townhouse every night, and I’ve considered texting him multiple times as we get closer to what could be the plan for Rich’s weekend, but I figure if he has news to share with me, he will. Not to mention, the last time we saw each other we had that moment, andwith the dreams I’ve been having, I’ve found myself a little bashful—a feeling I know I will have to push aside now that we’re sort of working together.
Sticky with sweat and in need of a shower, I roll off the bed. My toes sink into the cream shag rug at my feet and with a wiggle I enjoy the softness against my skin, but a quick vibration breaks me from the moment.
Stevie: Can you pause writing for this evening? I need to come over.
Me: Sure. Is everything okay?
It’s no secret that I’m the organized and levelheaded one between us. Stevie’s impetuous and free-spirited nature gets her into some peculiar situations, and I’m certain this time is not any different.
Stevie: Yeah, but I broke things off with Nick and feeling a little down.
Me: No more fuck buddy for little Stevie?
