Page 19 of Art of Sin

Visions of Nate’s tear-streaked face flash in my mind. Sirens and lights. Screaming. It wasn’t the first time I almost died. But it was the last.

“I’m not doing this,” I snap as I head for the door.

He catches me on the threshold, his fingers seizing mine and spinning me toward him. The next thing I know, his other hand is gently cupping my face. He stares down at me, his eyes haunted, full of regrets and secrets. It might be the first time he’s shown me the man behind the mask.

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” he murmurs. “And I’m sorry I asked. I… I’m not an easy man to like. I often don’t think before I speak.”

“You don’t say,” I deadpan, stepping back. His arm falls, his hand releasing mine. “When do I need to come back?”

“How does Tuesday evening sound? You can come directly from work. We should be done by dinner.”

I cock my head. “That doesn’t sound like three hours.”

He grins, eyes coming alive, the beauty of him making my head spin. “I only said three-hour sessions to fuck with you. It won’t be the norm.”

My heart racing, I nod, then escape.

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