Page 40 of Power

“Calista, darling,” he said in a low rumble, “let’s pause, just briefly, and talk.”

I took a deep breath, determination coursing through me.

“First of all, is this a test?”

His question caught me off guard, sending a ripple of surprise through me.

“Yes,” I replied quickly. “But not for you.”

He cocked one brow, the corner of his mouth quirking up.

“Fair enough.” He stepped back, hands tucked into his pockets. “May I make a proposal before we go any further?”

I crossed my arms, taking a step backward, further into the room, and then shifting my weight from one foot to the other. My pulse thrummed in my ears.

“Sure,” I muttered, brushing a stray curl behind my ear.

The knot of impatience in my chest tightened even as his steady calm washed over me. It was a strange comfort I hadn’t realized I needed.

He lifted his gaze, slow and unwavering. “I want us both to vow honesty. Honesty in everything, but especially about how we feel.”

I waved a hand. “Of course.”

My heart pounded against my ribs.

He shook his head, exhaling a quiet sigh. “No. I mean, really honest.”

“Oh.” The single syllable caught in my throat.

Heat bubbled up my neck. Talking about feelings was like standing naked in a windstorm.

I swallowed and forced a smile. “Okay, you go first.”

He retreated a few paces so there was ten feet of empty air between us.

My stomach clenched, and every instinct told me to close the gap.

“My worry,” he began, “is that you’re moving too fast. Are you using this—us—to exorcise old demons, Calista?”

My fingers fluttered at my sides.

“God, no,” I blurted, shaking my head, and then said with a hitch in my voice, “I promise that’s not why. I feel…safe with you, Leon. I haven’t been with anyone since…”

My throat tightened, and everything else I wanted to say dissolved in the wake of memories.

I inhaled, pushing through, and continued. “I used to feel fierce. Like my body was mine, like I was a goddess. I want that back. I want to feel pleasure like it’s mine to claim.”

He moved in my direction, closing the majority of the distance, and reached out, his thumb brushing my jaw.

“You are safe with me. Claim it all.”

Warmth bloomed in my belly. A slow grin spread across my face. I lifted my chin, pursing my lips as if in a challenge.

My fingers found the tiny latch of my gold hoop earrings. I set them on the wooden side table nearest to me. The softclinkechoed as they hit the polished surface.

I leaned in, the air between us crackling.

Then I slid a hand behind my head, releasing the pin that held my curls aloft. A cascade of dark blond ringlets tumbled over my shoulders, brushing my collarbone. I tilted my head, feeling each lock fall like warm silk.

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