The reminiscence of his lips remains to be recent in my thoughts. The way in which he touched my hair and undid the bun in order that he might run his fingers by means of is taking part in on repeat in my head as I stare down at his neat handwriting on the verify. His cellphone quantity taunts me like his tongue had as he teased it into my mouth.

He’s not even right here and he’s driving me loopy. How am I imagined to perform with these reminiscences haunting me?

Then once more, I assume I don’t must perform. The verify is written out for sufficient cash that I might ease up on my job seek for a number of days. Actually, I might ease up for some time—perhaps even pay an condo deposit and purchase some first rate meals. 5 thousand {dollars}? I’m nearly afraid to deposit it. It feels prefer it couldn’t probably be an actual verify.

However then I take into consideration how good his automotive was, how nicely his swimsuit match him. How costly his cologne smelled. I don’t know a lot about cash, however I understand how to inform when an individual has a whole lot of it versus after they don’t. Nothing about him appeared like he was exhausting up for money.

Different issues about him have been a lot exhausting, although …

My face heats immediately on the reminiscence of his huge, muscular physique towards mine. I’d by no means felt so small but so protected earlier than. I’ve felt small loads of occasions—my stepfather made it clear that I used to be tiny and nugatory to him a lot—however feeling protected like that?

Listening to him ask if I’d let him care for me?

It feels extra like a dream than actuality, regardless that I do know it was actual. I wouldn’t be holding this verify in my fingers if it wasn’t.

I additionally wouldn’t be serious about calling him simply to listen to his voice once more if he hadn’t requested me.

I bury my face within the pillow and let loose a pissed off groan.

Why do I really feel like calling him would simply make me look clingy or determined? He requested me to name him after I obtained residence, and whereas this dingy motel room isn’t residence, it’s what I’ve obtained for now. I don’t know why I’m so fearful about what he’ll consider me.

I’ve by no means felt like this earlier than. For anybody.

I pull my cellphone out of my pocket and begin dialing the quantity, however my thumb hovers over the decision button as I hesitate. Doubt washes over me. Am I actually going to do that?

What if this man—Santino Bianchi, his verify says—is taking part in thoughts video games with me?

It wouldn’t be the primary time. If life’s taught me something, it’s that individuals aren’t reliable and don’t care about others. I may very well be falling right into a lure however … The way in which he checked out me felt completely different. It was intense, and perhaps even a bit scary, however it wasn’t malicious. He didn’t wish to harm me, and he might have, if he wished to.

He even put himself between me and that random man strolling down the road who knew him. That doesn’t look like a person who’d harm me simply to harm me. In a single second, he confirmed extra take care of me than my dad and mom have ever managed to do.

He was prepared to guard me regardless that we’d simply met.

With that thought on the entrance of my thoughts, I press name. It’s not like I’ve something to lose. The worst that’ll occur is that I’ll get despatched to voicemail. It’s actually late, so I wouldn’t be shocked.

To my shock, the road solely rings twice earlier than a well-recognized voice solutions.

“Howdy?” Santino purrs. The deepness of his greeting makes goosebumps rise on my arms. It’s nearly like he’s proper right here with me.

That’s after I notice I want he really was.

“Renee? Is that you just?” It nearly appears like he’s smirking at me once more like he did earlier. Not meanly, however teasingly.

“Hello,” I breathe. “Yeah, it’s me.” I shift on the mattress uncomfortably, feeling sizzling and stressed as he chuckles on the opposite aspect of the road.

“I’d nearly given up on you calling.”

I chew my lip. “I’m sorry I’m calling you so late.”

“No worries, sweetheart. Did you get residence protected?”

“I did,” I inform him truthfully. With the ability to take the bus, and figuring out that I’ve extra funds at my disposal, made my life rather a lot simpler tonight. What I don’t inform him is that listening to him name me “sweetheart” makes my heartbeat quicker.

“Good, I’m glad. Are you going to deposit that verify I gave you?”

Making small speak like this feels surprisingly intimate when it has no proper to really feel like that.

“I’ll. I’ve obtained the app on my cellphone, so I can deposit it simply.”

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