Page 75 of Love Me Not

Maybe I have too.

“What did she say to you last time, Bella?”I asked once she was calm enough.

Bella looked down at the floor, her hands gripping the side of her dress.

“She said I wouldn’t be here long and that she’d come get me soon.I thought that’s why she was here.”

Poor girl.

I only wished I could do something for her.No child should have to deal with this.

Lux’s gaze on me had me freezing.

“Did she hurt you?”she asked, her hand reaching out for me.My heart skipped a beat in my chest, and I quickly stood up, unable to bear her touch.

My face was already flushing, my skin hot, butterflies unleashing in my belly.

It’s like I’m a goddamn virgin with a crush, even though she railed me within an inch of my life not long ago.

“No,” I said quickly.“You got here just in time.Thanks.”

She stood up too and reached for me again, like she couldn’t stop herself.“I was already on the way, but when I saw your message, I?—"

Gina cleared her throat.

“Lemonade?”

“Yes, please,” I said with a sigh, taking the exit.“Bella, do you want some quiet time?Maybe some food?We could play games or…?”

She pressed her lips into a thin line before shyly looking up at us.

“I think I want some playtime outside, if that’s okay.”

I looked at Lux, who nodded.

“Go on.”

Bella ran off without another word, still not her usual self but steadier than a few moments prior.When she was far enough away, Lux appeared by my side.

“A word in my office?”

I looked at Gina, who was already locking eyes with me.

“I got it,” she said.“You two go.”

Nodding, I followed Lux, but she walked right past her office and into…her room.

I paused as she silently opened the door and waited for me to make the decision to walk inside.

I’m her direct employee now.It would be highly inappropriate for me to enter her bedroom.

But my feet were already moving.She slipped in behind me, closing the door with a soft click.

My back was to her front as she inched closer.Her hands never touched me, but they hovered by my sides, her fingertips close enough that I could feel the electric current working between us.Her hot breath fanned against my neck, and I cursed myself for wearing my hair up.

“I’ve never been so angry in my life,” she muttered.

I took a deep breath in, inhaling her scent.

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