Page 49 of Tempt Me
“Fine,” I snap and haul myself to my feet. Giving her an apologetic smile, I mutter, “Thanks.”
“Anytime,” she giggles. “Now go, and then tell me how amazing the sex was afterward.”
“Fuck off.”
Stalking toward the door, Isaac is quick to join me.
“Bye, Logan,” I say, giving him a wave as I yank the door open and head for the stairs. Jogging down them with Isaac right behind me, I stop three floors down and shove open the staircase door. Rooting around in my bag for the key to this place, I know it’s in here somewhere amongst the tampons and purse-junk.
Finding it, I let us in and breathe out, dumping the bag on the counter of the open-plan kitchen.
“What’s really bothering you?” he asks after a minute.
“I can’t say right now,” I reply, cupping my ear to signify this place could be bugged.
He nods knowingly, and I turn around, trying to gather my thoughts and debating where to start.
He startles me by coming up behind me and trailing a finger over my shoulder and down my arm. “Why black?”
Looking down at my vest top and jeans, I shrug. “Felt like a black day.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t protect you.”
“What?”
“He hurt you. He laid his hands on you, and I wasn’t there to stop him. I was tending to my internal wounds over losing you, which was a mistake that cost you. It won’t happen again.”
He draws his hand back, and I groan with irritation. “Stop. Just stop being so fucking righteous. I don’t give a flying fuck about the bruises.”
“Then what do you care about?” His voice is a soft croak.
Spinning to face him, I hook my fingers into the hairband holding my hair up, and I drag it out.
His gaze is drawn to my hair cascading around my shoulders.
“Why did you watch me that night?” I demand, needing answers. “Was it me? Or do you just like to be a voyeur? Was it Lola? That we were two women? What?”
His eyes fill with a burning desire. “It was you.”
“Then why won’t you be with me?”
“You know why.”
“Because of my parents.”
“It’s a part of it.” He sighs. “I’m not the man for you, Rue. You are destined for great things, and my job is to watch over you and make sure you are protected.”
“Fuck. That. Do you want me? Give me an answer, yes or no.”
“Yes, I want you.”
“Then take me,” I practically scream at him, opening my arms wide. “I’m here, waiting, Isaac, and your rejection is killing me.”
“It’s not rejection, Rue.”
“Then what is it?”
He lets out an annoyed huff. “We’ve been over this.”
