Page 81 of Entwined

CHRISTOS

NO ONE ANSWERS THE DOOR the next time I went knocking. The passion still burning between us scared her. I scared her. I can’t say that I blame her though. She’s afraid to surrender to me again. I’ve broken her trust too many times.

Fuck.

I need her.

I need her more than air; than water. But how can I make her see I did it all for us. We both needed time apart to figure out who in the bloody hell we were. And now that both of us traveled down different paths, that ultimately are intersecting again—surely we can continue down them the rest of the way together?

Theos, I hope it’s what she still wants. Because it’s all I can think about. I run a hand through my hair, staring out into the early summer morning as I drink my coffee. I’ve been in London for two weeks.

And I’ve only seen her a handful of times. I thought about using old tactics. But I know that would only push her further away. If I show one hint of the devil still lurking within, I’ll lose her for good.

This time I must win her without using sexual manipulation. I turn from the window staring at the growing pile of gifts sitting on my counter. She returned them all through a private courier; chocolates flown in from Belgium, custom made perfume from Paris, the finest couture purses and shoes from Milan.

She rejected them all, along with my calls and texts.

She ghosted me.

I sigh, picking up my phone.

“How are you lover boy?”

“Not good, mate.”

“Why are you calling me so early? I thought you’d be balls deep in your woman.”

“It’s not working, Alex. I suck at romance. She won’t even see me.”

“Bullocks.”

“I’ve sent flowers, chocolates, perfume… I took her to the theatre…”

“Well that bloody explains it all. This is Jessie, Christos. Not a lingerie model from France or a society woman.”

“Bloody hell. I’ve gone daft.”

“You said it not me, mate.” He hangs up before I can reply.

I’ve got one of the sharpest minds alive and yet I failed to solve the puzzle of Jessie Montgomery when everyone else could.

I’ve figured out what pieces I was missing but I still need a bit of help. I dial Jecca’s cell.

“Hello?”

“Jecca, it’s Christos. Please don’t hang up. I need a favor.”

She’s silent for a few seconds. “How did you get my number?”

“Phillip.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve had it since Paris.”

“What do you want Christos?”

“Her.”

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