We’re clear.He responds.
Good. Bring the car around. If I’m not out in three minutes with my prize…secure the back door and meet me inside.
Inhaling, my hands open the door gently, my calm demeanor not showing a trace of my intent.
I pause after the jangling of the small bell above my head.
She is my home.
My light.
I’m tired of living in the dark. So tired of being alone. I know I fucked up. I was driven by pure rage. The emotions trapped inside me for thirty-five years opened like a flood gate. I didn’t like how that felt. Shutting it down is the only way to get my equilibrium back. She has to understand—she must.
The bell above the door jingles. Without turning around, I call out in Greek, “Sorry we’re closed.”
“I’m not here for food. I’m here foryou.”
The dishes I was clearing fall from my hands, shattering at my feet. I slowly turn.
Frozen in shock, I stare helplessly.
My heart races.
I don’t know if I’ll survive him again.
His dark eyes meet mine.
“Hello, little dove.Miss me?”
My heart stops beating, he stole my breath. He was back, more handsome than my dark dreams…but I was still too fragile to fight.
“Please, don’t.”
I hold up a hand to ward him off, but he only comes closer. I choke back a sob as the familiar heat of his body wraps around me, it comforts as much as terrifies me.
He’s so familiar.
The missing part of myself.
The reminder I’m not the naïve girl from California anymore.
I’m wanton. A submissive slave whose master just came back to claim her. “Why are you here?”
“You know why.”
I bend to the ground, picking up the broken dishes, needing to break the spell he has over me every time our eyes meet. He’s silent as I gather the shards into my hand.
“Ouch!” A sharp piece of ceramic pierces my skin. He grabs my hand, bringing my cut finger to his lips.
“Don’t…”
But he doesn’t listen. He never does.
I can’t help how my breath hitches or how my tummy clenches; the familiar pull of desire travels south, where the heart of me missed him.
He pulls my finger into his mouth, sucking on it. I gasp, as his tongue swirls over my finger just as it used to swirl over me.
He smirks as his eyes drift lower.