Page 32 of Love Me Not

I had to cover my mouth at the vulgarity of her words.My eyes shot to the hallway connecting us to Bella’s room, but there was no sign of her.

“Now that it’s out in the open, I can be honest,” she said, taking a step closer.Her delicious scent filled my nose.Her body heat sunk into me.I had to crane my neck up to get a good look at her.“I’ve never needed anyone like I need you.I want to drop everything, whisk you away, and keep you chained up on my bed begging for me to stop as I make you come over and over again.Give you every single pleasure imaginable, like nothing you’ve ever felt before.Your taste is still so fresh on my tongue, and I’ve been yearning to get even the slightest hint of it again.”

My shaky hand landed on her stomach.I’m not sure if it was to steady myself or create some space so I could breathe, but it did the opposite.Touching her ignited something between us.It was a connection, an undeniable tether between us that reminded me just how good it had been that night.

“Do you see?”She dropped her voice into a whisper.“This can’t happen.I can admit how much I want to ravage you , but nothing like that caneverhappen again.Not when Bella needs you.Can I trust myself?I’m not sure.So I need us to be on the same page.I need you to keep me grounded when all I can think abo—” She exhaled.“Tell me you understand.”

I understood all too well.Lux was a better guardian than I realized.She cared more for Bella than she let on.She knew Bella needed me and was willing to put her own desires on the back burner, no matter how strong they were.

But can I trust myself?

After yesterday and this morning, one thing was certain.It wasn’t just about the money anymore.Bella needed me, and it hurt my heart to think I’d ever disappoint her.

So there was really only one answer.

“I understand,” I said, looking up at her and removing my hand.And then, because I couldn’t help myself, I gave her a smile and added, “So youarethe one in love with me.I knew it.Who would have thought the big bad Lux was so obsessed with little ol’ me?”

The tension stayed for a moment before she took a step back and shook her head while letting out a light chuckle.The heaviness between us disappeared, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

The burning need for her was still there, but at least now we were aligned in wanting the best for the girl.

“Juliette!How does this look?”

Bella came running out of her room wearing a light blue cardigan and cream pants.I didn’t miss how we were practically matching.

“Beautiful!”I said with a clap of my hands.“We’re twins!And it looks so cute with your braids!”

She paused when she got to me, her hand shyly reaching up to feel her braid.

“Get going or you’ll be late,” Lux ordered.

I took Bella’s hand and was just about to take her out when the little girl paused, turned back, and ran to Lux.She flung her arms around her legs, giving her a hug that surprised both of us.

Lux’s eyes widened, and then very slowly her hand came to pat Bella’s head.

There is something there.It made my chest warm.

Bella ran back to me without looking back at Lux and placed her hand in mine.I sent Lux a small smile before turning away, leaving her in a shocked daze.

I showed Bella outside to where her driver was waiting for us.She was a young woman with a high ponytail, a button-up, and jeans.She smiled at Bella and opened the door for her to climb in.

“Juliette,” I introduced myself.She gave me a smile.

“Oh, I know, you’ve been the talk of the staff.I’m Marci.”

“Oh?”I asked with a quirked brow.

“By staff I mean me and Gina,” she clarified with a shrug.

I laughed and ducked in to sit next to Bella.

“You got your homework?”I asked once Marci started the car and had us heading to the school.

“Yep!”She opened her backpack to show me the neat folders stacked inside.“All ready.”

“Perfect,” I said, giving her a smile.“Okay, now tell me, who has a crush on whom?”

Her eyes lit up.“Oh my gosh, you’d never believe it.So, my friend Kinsley, there’s this boy in the grade above.They’ve been best friends for, like,ever.I don’t really get it because he’s gross and still eats his boogers.I mean, that’s so first grade, you know?Boys are gross like that?—”

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