Page 40 of Lust
“Positive.” Because there was no way I should let a man like him go, right?
* * *
Iflicked off the non-existent lint for the hundredth time.
It was a nervous tick.
I had put the memory of last night entirely out of my mind. And Tobias, the perfect man, was due here at any minute. I needed to stay focused on him.
Tobias will be a sweet and gentle lover, I reiterated in my mind to calm my nerves.
But what if it turned out I was terrible at sex? It’d be ironic if I were an awkward lover after spending years fantasizing about it.
Wringing my hands together, I fell backward on my bed and stared up at the white ceiling. I had imagined this moment on countless occasions—my first time—and replayed the fantasy one last time before I was officiallydeflowered.
Tobias would probably start with sweet words of affirmations to put my mind at ease as he leaned in for the perfect kiss. Then he’d move onto soft caresses before undressing me gently. The act would make me shy, and I’d turn away from him. At long last, he’d take me so tenderly that it’d be neither painful nor harsh. Just everything I had dreamt of and more because Tobias was perfect and unflawed and everything good.
After making love to me, he’d stroke my hair lovingly while I laid on his chest, and we’d speak of our hopes and dreams and a beautiful future.
I’d had the tendency of romanticizing things in the past. But I was sure that my daydreaming ways were appropriate for this instant. Our time together would be nothing short of perfection.
I smiled, a grin stretching over my face until it hurt. Keeping my eyes closed, I replayed the images and only jolted from my fictional whimsy at the sound of harsh footsteps in the hallway. I had left the front door open and let Tobias know to head straight to my bedroom.
The shuffling didn’t sound like Tobias’ usual footwork. These were urgent, as if the world were on the cusp of despair and he was coming to the rescue.
He is just as eager,I realized.
A shyness like I had never known befell me at the thought, and I turned my face away from the door, looking out the window. The orange glow of dusk dazzled me with a serene peace at the same time I heard the twist of the doorknob.
It’s really happening.
The door creaked open, and footsteps entered my room. I squeezed my eyes shut, anticipation overwhelming every cell of my body.
He was silent, watching me in my white baby doll lace nightie. Yes, it was extra to wear white like I was some virginal bride. But the color complimented me, and I wanted to look my best.
Did he like it? Did he desire me?
I hadn’t a clue because I couldn’t force myself to face him, nor could I open my eyes. My inexperience was showing, and I didn’t know how to behave.
“Angel!” said a deep voice.
For a moment, my mind went blank. Was my mind playing tricks on me?
And then came the senseless terror.
I whipped my face toward the voice to find an unwelcome guest. My vision blurred at the sight of Tristan’s thinned lips. Amber-gold eyes flared with the lethal fury they harbored inside. The muscles on his face were tight, with clenched hands at his sides.
I sat up speedily with my hand on my abdomen. “Tris?” I muttered under my breath, face ridden with shock. “What the hell are you doing in here?”
It couldn’t be. He wouldn’t have the guts to return here after what happened last night.
Tristan didn’t care to explain. There was only a flicker in his face, eyes clouding with an atrocious premonition.
A small voice whispered in my ear,Run.
For some reason, I didn’t hesitate to listen.
Jumping off the bed, I made a start for the sliding doors and into the balcony. The fresh air had barely registered when Tristan tackled me. We fell forward, my face hitting the rough ground on impact.
