Page 117 of Perfume Girl
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, this has nothing to do with any of that.”
“Tell me how I messed up so I can put it right.”
“It’s not about us.”
“Have you gone back to Damien?”
“No, never.” I took a deep breath. “I need his help to get back to Dunedin.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“I’m okay.”
“Driving toward a dangerous storm isn’t wise.”
“I have to go home.”
“Look, stay at my place if you want. I’ll leave you alone.”
“Are you watching me on the cameras?”
“I got an alert on my phone. It’s how the security is set. I’m not stalking you if that’s what you’re suggesting.”
“Is there a camera in the bedroom?” My gaze darted to the ceiling.
“No, they cover the outside. The driveway. The garden. Nothing inside.”
“What if we’d done it in the pool?”
“I would’ve told you. Look, I need to see you, Raquel. I need to talk this through because I’m not sure what’s happening here.”
“I have to finish packing.”
“I know he’s waiting for you outside.”
My mouth went dry with guilt.
He cursed quietly. “He can stay there with you. If it keeps you safe.”
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what? Be kind to you?”
“Yes.”
“Would it help if I told you—” He let out an exasperated sigh. “I like you a lot, Raquel. A lot more than…”
“And I like you.”
“Then tell me what’s going on?”
And then I realized Astor was on his way to the house. “I have to go.”
“Don’t hang up.”
