Page 52 of Ravage

I give her a little wave. "Hi Carol, nice to meet you."

"You too, Imogen. That's a lovely name."

I blush as she continues to study me. "Thank you, ma'am."

She laughs. "Oh no, it's Carol. No need for formalities when you're wearing my son's t-shirt with no underwear on."

My face basically catches on fire, and Cam shakes his head, sliding his arm around my waist.

"Behave, mother."

Carol grins. "I'll just be in your office. Don't mind me."

She heads off to one of the other bedrooms, leaving us to stare after her.

"She's fun," I say, and he gives a wry laugh.

"Yeah, she's definitely interesting."

"If that had been my mother, she'd either have had a heart attack on the spot, or be throwing holy water at us right now."

He pulls me in to kiss my forehead. "Well, I am evil, so you know, she might be on to something with the holy water."

I lean into his embrace. "Don't joke. She's the evil one."

His arms tighten around me. "Sorry. I forgot about your shitty relationship with your parents."

I shake my head. "I don't have a relationship with them at all. I haven't seen them in twelve years."

He strokes his hand up and down my back. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, it's okay. I'm much better off without them."

He holds me for a few more moments, before stepping back. "Do you want some coffee?"

I consider it for a moment, then shake my head. "No. I should probably head home."

He nods. "I'll drop you home."

"It's okay," I tell him, placing my hand on his chest. "You should spend time with your mum."

He studies me for a moment. "So... Am I out of your system now?"

I consider lying. I should walk away without looking back.

This man doesn't belong in my world. He belongs in the real world, with the perfect wife and two point five kids.

Not whatever the hell I am these days.

But I can't do it. So I shake my head.

"No, Cam. I'm pretty sure you've buried yourself even further under my skin."

A slow smile spreads across his face, and he tugs me closer again, brushing his lips over mine. "Good, because you're deep under mine."

23

MY NEEDS ARE BEING MET

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