Page 55 of Vow of Revenge
“I will win this, Freya. I always win the game.”
The very second I saw her draped in sheets and surrounded by pillows, wearing a baggy tee, I knew she was a part of me, some way, somehow. Her silky hair was all tousled and wild. It made her look like she had just been fucked, and then my resolve went to shit. That cute little laugh of hers echoed in my heart as we played a kid’s game of cards on her warm bed. Her secret smile pulled me closer, and her sexy scent assaulted my wits.
“You’re good at this.” I announced. She really was, but I had the upper hand as always.
“Cal taught me, and he’s ruthless.” Her legs stretched out, inadvertently touching mine. “Sorry,” she whispered, yanking them away.
Truth be told, I wanted her legs wrapped around my face so I could eat her up all night, but I was enjoying the game – the card game, with her, in her chaotic room, with her untidy hair and her hypnotic eyes that sparkled every time she changed the suit of card.
“Looks like I win.” I set down my last card with a triumphant grin.
Her flaming eyes narrowed. “You’re an asshole.” She turfed a pillow at me, scattering the cards everywhere.
A low chuckle rumbled in my chest. “And you’re a bad looser.”
She made me laugh, welcoming something other than hatred into my life. Freya was my sunshine on an overcast day, the fire to my ice, and if I wasn’t careful, she’d end up becoming more than just a trigger.
Flopping back on plumped up pillows, she yawned. It was midnight and we had played several games already. She patted the bed, clearly wanting me to join her. Crawling up the mattress, I lay down like a lamb to the slaughter and pulled her close to my chest.
Soft skin. Clean hair. Gentle puffs of air prickled the hairs on my arm. A quiet sigh. Sleepy body heat. Freya Beaumont felt like forever. My eyes closed, and I drifted…
Kind eyes and a pretty smile.
“I’ll take you with me, Kaleb.”
I feel warm and safe with arms holding me close.
A soft scent of fresh soap mixes with a clinical smell of antiseptic wash.
“I’ve told her about you. One day I hope you’ll get to meet her.”
I feel cold again.
Motionless.
Blood.
Screaming.
He’s choking for his life.
She killed him.
I jack-knifed to sitting. My breathing fast and furious. Sweat gathered on my brow.
“Kaleb?” A soft familiar voice broke through my panic. “Did you have a bad dream?”
“I need to get out of here.” I kicked my legs off the bed, feeling her hands fall away. I didn’t need her comfort or her fucking pity.
“What’s wrong?”
Everything was fucking wrong. “I felt safe with the woman who murdered my father. Who the fuck was she?”
Her tiny hand reached up, waiting for me to touch it. “Come on, Kaleb. It was only a bad dream.” She beckoned to her open palm, waiting for me to return to bed. Inky lengths toppled over her shoulders and her fiery eyes caught me off guard.
“It wasn’t a bad dream. It was real.” No one understood me. They never would.
“Let me make it better.” I watched her raise up onto her knees and shuffle closer. Those delicate little fingers of hers brushed over my chest. Velvety kisses peppered my tense jaw.
