Page 163 of Corrupt Me

There he is—my man, dressed in all black, looking like a sculpture brought to life.

I already know what he’s planning long before he does it, so I take a step back. In a smooth motion, he jumps from his balcony to mine. I wrap myself around him as he holds me tight—my lovely cocoon.

He kisses the top of my head. “What did he say?”

I shake my head, not wanting to waste our precious seconds together talking about him. “It’s not important.”

“Indulge me.”

That deep, husky voice of his is my kryptonite.

Lifting my chin, my eyes find his. “That he owns me. But I belong entirely to someone else.”

“Perfect answer. Kitten, I’ll make him regret ever looking at you,” he says with such sharp determination that I almost feel sorry for Eric.

“Anything on Felix?”

“Not yet. But he has to be nearby. He wouldn’t have wanted you here otherwise. I will not let you out of my sight.”

A yawn parts my lips, and he gently brushes his knuckles along my cheeks. I lean into his touch, drawing strength from him.

“Sleep a bit,” he says before leading me to the bed and tucking me in. Placing a gentle kiss on my forehead, he checks the door two more times, and only afterward does he leave just as stealthily as he appeared.

Knowing Hunter is there to watch over me, I drift off to sleep, only to be jolted awake by a sharp rapping of knocks, tearing me from my dream of him and souring my mood.

We always grow more impatient the closer we get to our goal. Life passes us by—not because we’re aging, but because we rush through it, failing to realize we’re speeding toward the final destination and have forgotten to live along the way.

Nothing makes that clearer than a life-or-death situation.

I’m going to savor mine. I’ll embrace every new day and live to the fullest, creating a million memories along the way.

“We have a dinner reservation,” Eric announces, once again disturbing some much-needed quiet and peace of mind.

“I’ll be out shortly,” I say, annoyance threaded through my clipped tone.

After showering, I look at my reflection in the mirror. Dressed in a beige cashmere cardigan over a silk top and matching plissé skirt, I apply a bit of mascara, blush, and lipstick and slip into my kitten heels. I refuse to call these dates, but keeping up appearances is imperative. The day the charade ends can’t come soon enough.

Eric waits for me outside my room, staring at my window the moment I open the door. For a second, his eyes narrow as if he could see Hunter on the other side.

“I’m ready.”

“Let’s go.” The bite in his voice softens when he adds, “You look beautiful dressed up for me.”

My patience is being tested to its limits, so much so I’m beginning to wonder about my ability to resist reacting on impulse. Maybe that’s my secret superpower.

Once we’re in the car, he asks, “Did you sleep well?”

“I did.”

He nudges my side. “Maybe tonight you’ll let me in your bed.”

I roll my eyes at him and remain silent throughout the drive.

“I was thinking tomorrow we could explore more of the city. Then I’ll take you to a masked ball. Important people will be attending, and I need to mingle and represent my family.”

Bingo. That’s where it all will go down.

While the three-star Michelin restaurant is incredible, and the food tastes spectacular, I just want to return to the hotel and be done with today.

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