Page 22 of Duty Became Desire

“Are you telling me you think they’re behind this or something?”

“Honestly Alec, I don’t know what to think. I think they have more information than they’re letting on though, that’s for damn sure. I just don’t know why they wouldn’t be honest with us. I mean, it’s not like we’re not trying to undo this mistake.”

I wasn’t sure why that sentence felt like a massive sucker punch to the gut, but it was. And I had to be careful not to double over.

I mean, I knew we were trying, sure, but life just kept getting in the way. However, I wouldn’t call the marriage a mistake, exactly. Different, unwanted even, but not a mistake.

“Right,” I muttered, but I doubt she heard me.

She was already going off on a tirade in her head, thinking of the best way to approach our friends. But if there was anything I knew about them, they wouldn’t give up any information anytime soon. They had said their peace, whatever the truth there was, and they weren’t going to budge on it.

I slipped out of the bed, reaching for my clothes, and slowly slipped them on, letting her stew in her own thoughts.

As much as I wanted to stick around and keep dwelling on the amazing night, it was now tainted, and I needed to get out and clear my head. Not that it was her fault, it was all mine. I shouldn’t be thinking like this, but I couldn’t help it.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to go silent,” she told my back, and I glanced at her over my shoulder.

“No worries. I needed to head out, help my mom clean up.”

“Do tell her thank you again for a great time. You have a great family, Alec.”

“I think they’re awesome.”

And they think you’re awesome too,I wanted to blurt out but caught myself right in time.

“With everything going on, I didn’t get the chance to get the papers. And as today is Sunday, doubt they’ll open, so I’ll swing over tomorrow, hopefully before I leave town,” she told me.

“All good. It’s not the easiest to clear up this matter.”

To me, the words sounded hollow. It’s not what I wanted to say, or what I wanted to do.

In fact, I wanted to lean down, kiss her cheek, and then dive back into bed. But I betrayed my body, gave her a smile instead, and headed out of the room, praying for some air to clear the spell she somehow put on me.

Chapter fourteen

Skylar

Istared at the ceiling, watching the colors shift in the room as the sun rose. I wanted to sleep in, needed it badly. But nope, my evil body betrayed me.

How?

I spent all night thinking about the man who was in my bed. About the things Alec did to my body.

So, where did that leave me?

Hot, bothered, and horny. So much so that I tried taking care of things myself. And it helped the edge, but it didn’t relieve the ache. And let me tell you, I was pissed.

Figured since the sun was up, I ought to get up. But I couldn’t seem to make myself move.

I glanced over at my phone as it dinged, showing Demi’s name. After the talk with Alec, I wasn’t sure I wanted to dealwith her. But on the other hand, maybe I could get some more information.

With that, I grabbed it, seeing a text about getting together and how’d she take me to get my car. I knew that getting together would entail other things, but right now, the thought of getting some more of this story was outweighing anything else.

I confirmed that I’d see her and then rushed to the bathroom to start getting ready, notifying the front desk I’d be leaving today as well.

“I can’t believe you never envisioned your colors or your bridesmaid’s dresses,” I told her, looking through the rack at the store.

“It wasn’t important. Besides, the only two people are you and my sister. And you know my sister looks good in anything I toss her way. So, truly, you, my maid of honor, are the worst one. You have to pick it on your own.”

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