Page 41 of Duty and Desire

Nick flees his homeland because of his hateful, repressive family. Although he is far from them, they are still a part of his life. They send a former student friend to watch him and report back, except Nick has no idea she is on their side.

Nick chose Bora-Bora because of its inclusivity, a place where he can be free to be true to himself. But will his family discover the truth and demand he returns home?

I swallowed, but there was a lump in my throat.

Does he know who I am? Isthatwhy he’s writing about me?

I was numb to the core, my skin icy.

Kissing me… is this part of his plan to get closer to me? To use me for his next book?

A sharp pain speared into my chest, and my vision blurred. Heat raced through me, and I became aware of pain in my left palm. My fingernails had dug into the skin, deep enough to draw blood.

I had to get out of there before I exploded.

I closed the notebook, tiptoed around the veranda, and crept along the boarded surface until I reached the side gate. I held my breath as I pushed it open, praying it wouldn’t creak. Then I crept across the bridge to where I’d left my motorbike.

I switched the engine on, turned the bike around, and sped out along the main road. I hurt all over, my hand throbbing. By the time I reached home, I was shaking.

I stumbled through the door, slamming it shut behind me.

To my surprise, Franz was sitting on the couch, with Claudia in the armchair. Her eyes widened. “What are you doing here? I didn’t expect you back until late.” Franz rose, his face flushed. Claudia stared at me. “Did you forget something?” She froze. “Oh my God, what’s wrong? You look awful.”

I pointed at Franz. “And to think only two days ago, I was telling you I trusted Gio,” I croaked. “Yeah, and maybe you didn’t do such a good job of vetting him as you thought.”

Franz’s face hardened. “What did he do? And why is there blood on your hand?”

Claudia grabbed it and winced. “I’d better clean that up.”

“It’s nothing, all right?”

She led me to the couch. “Sit down before you fall down.” She went over to where I kept a bottle of brandy, poured some into a small glass, then handed it to me. “Drink this first. Then tell us what’s happened.”

I knocked it back, spluttering. I gazed at her, the pain in my chest still present.

“He’s been lying to me.”

She sat beside me. “Specifics. Give me specifics.”

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it from my pocket.

Where are you? I turned around and you’d gone.

Then I saw how many messages I’d missed. I’d been in such a state, I hadn’t even felt them.

“Is that him?” Franz demanded.

I nodded. The phone buzzed again.

Nick, why did you leave without a word?

I shivered.

Claudia glanced at the text. “You just left without telling him you were going?”

I couldn’t sit, not when I was shaking, caught up in a muddle of anger, disillusionment, bitterness—and hurt. DearLord, I hurt. I paced up and down the small space between the couch and the coffee table, my mind racing.

“You know, now that I think about it, everything makes sense. The other day he said his mind was on a book, but he looked uncomfortable when he said it. I guess I know why now.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice.

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