Page 4 of Irrevocably Mine

While she drove, she took a mental trip downMemories That Suck Lane.For some reason, it was never images that reminded her of these moments, it was scents.

First, there was the smell of burnt wood and metal that marked her parents’ death. Then, the stench of the prison that reminded her that her baby brother’s life had been cut short. Next, the foul odor of her own sickness as the chemotherapy ravaged her body. Then, the plasticy whiff of silicon as the prosthesis touched her warm flesh for the first time. Expensive designer cologne was the next thief in a long line of many—cologne worn by a man she let into her home, her body, her heart, a man who took betrayal to a whole new level. And now, thanks to the confirmation that she would forever be an outsider, chlorine had been added to the list. That scent of summer would now mark the latest in a long line of reminders of the pieces of herself she no longer possessed.

Now that she had time to cool off, she realized Dax didn’t betray their friendship by not telling or warning her. It was not his secret to tell, and he was just being a loyal friend. When she looked at it like that, he offered the same to her and John. They were closer to Dax than anyone else in the Reid clan.

There was a moment of doubt, but she ignored it.OMG Puppiesstarted talking ninety miles an hour in her head.

You know what, if you sleep with him, he might still want a relationship from you. You can date, and have sex, and move in together, and be a normal, happy couple.Stacy could practically hear her clapping ecstatically.Oh, that will be so nice, won’t it? To let your guard down and trust someone again. Whew, it’s a lot of work keeping guard 24/7. He has huge hands, and you know what that means?

“Wait, didPuppiesleave andSluttytake over?” Stacy whispered to herself.

He can not only hold your heart in his palms, exposed, but he can cage it in his fingers and keep it safe without crushing it.

“Yep, it’s stillPuppies,” she whispered, somewhat in relief.

Stacy letPuppieshave free reign, all innocent hope and big-eyed, indulging just a bit in a somewhat normal fantasy, but after a few ticks of her watch, she gathered herself and went in search of Dax. She was not looking for a relationship today, just a good time.

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