Page 86 of Enthrall Ecstasy
That much was true. I’d seen that look too many times. Watched it fade. Witnessed love being drawn back in real time because of something I’d done.
Iwas the problem.
The guy who pushed lovers away.
This was a preemptive shove.
An early strike.
After the fallout of a breakup came the crushing truth—that person would no longer be in my life. The best way to deal with it was to disconnect. That was something I was good at. Throw in a little ghosting and you had your classic extraction.
Withdrawing all access.
“Get it over with, asshole,” I muttered under my breath.
Then I halted at the glass door.
Rue’s Celtic ancestry had given her that windswept appearance. Like she’d just strolled over the moors and was emerging out of the fog.
For some reason, that felt cathartic.
She looked ethereal.
Like a rare creature.
Did she have to look so damn vulnerable, too?
I might be a dick at times, but I was also a gentleman when it counted. I’d share my thoughts and not leave anyone guessing. Get it over with quickly.
A swift strike.
I rapped on the glass to get her attention, throwing a friendly wave when she looked my way, startled. She brightened when she saw that it was me, leaping up and hurrying over to unlock the door and open it.
Then she hesitated as though not sure whether to hug me or not.
My body stiffened. “Listen, Rue.”
“Come in.”
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, turning to face her.
She knelt quickly and stretched her arms forward in a subservient bow, locks of her hair tumbling like a red sea around her.
Exquisite.
Obedient.
Wistful.
Her bodice was elegant, as were her feet in those strappy heels. She looked out of place dressed like this so early. Though the curve of her ass was inviting.
No, not out of place. She was exactly where she was meant to be.
“Up,” I said.
She pushed to her feet and rose elegantly. “Permission to speak, sir.”
“Of course.” It was a stupid rule.
