Page 28 of Painting Her Fate

In this bit of time at getting to know Alexander, things seem to flow out of my mouth so freely and my mind is not telling me he is a threat. It is an odd feeling really. It is telling me to go for it; take a chance for once and get to know him. Something I never gave Zane or my other very few conquests the chance to do.

Zane.Thecall. Damn it to hell. Damn my scatter brain.

Time to move on, love. We were far too bored with Zane. Alexander can be our new playmate.

“You know what?” I blurt out reckless in my decent, “Let’s go get that coffee, it’s the least I can do.”

Ohh, then playtime?

I need to just shut the hell up and let this man be on his way. Clearly, he is busy with his bar, and I have too much chaos going on in my life right now to even begin to think about doing things with this man. Nope. Very bad idea Lili.

No. It’s a very good idea.

Mistress…

He doesn’t make any protest at my offer as we stop at the black truck. I examine our conjoined hands, both of us realizing simultaneously we are still connected. He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. The strength this man possesses, the vibe he gives off; this man has to be military or part of some sort of security. Didn’t Ford call him aCorporal?

Ohh, military men take orders well, give them well, too.

You. Hush now! I tamp down the blush that is wanting to creep into my cheeks. I was lost with that damn dimple of his as he beamed a smile.

“I’d be happy to take you out for a coffee, if you still think I deserve it after my disastrous line I fed you.”

So, the man is admitting at trying to pick me up, is he? At least he is straight to the point and honest. My belly flips and it has no business doing such a thing, so I brush it off with my next exhale and not think too far into this, even though the mistress is ten steps ahead.

“Do you think you can swing me by my flat first? I need to freshen up.” I gesture to my blood-stained top and the running garb that is most definitely not proper outing attire.

“No problem.” He says as he opens the passenger door for me and helps me inside the cab. He rounds the boot and steps into the driver side, careful not to jostle his shoulder. He turns to me as he buckles his belt, “I know of the perfect place to grab a coffee, although I feel bad for taking you away from your dad. We can do this another day-”

“No.” I’m quick to voice, “I will visit him after.” I am not in the right mindset to step foot into a hospital right now and Grandpa Frank will be sure to fill me in. I will send dad another message to give him an update on my progress. “I really could use a pick-me-up right now and coffee, with you, sounds lovely.”

He nods and I give him the address to my building. In the back of my mind, I am freaking out a little. I just agreed to go out for coffee with this stranger.

He saved you.

I got into his truck, what if he plans to nap me?

You can totally kick his ass.

I would never do anything like this in London.

There is no one like this in London. Just go with it.

What the hell did I just get myself into?

_CHAPTER 6 - ALEXANDER_

"The first symptom of true love in a young man is timidity; in a young girl, boldness." – Victor Hugo.

That’s it. I scared her off. That has to be it.She’s been in her condo for over thirty minutes and hasn’t come out yet. Should I give her more time? Have I been stood up? Yeah, that’s it. She changed her mind, dodged this bullet. I was too forward asking her out like that. I should take this as a sign to head back to my bar and get on with my day. So much needs to be done, things need fixed, and bills need paid. Taking an attractive girl out for coffee is not on that list.

God damn, this enchantress has struck me down with one single glance. The way my body responded to her touch confirms it’s been far too long. She felt so soft, so fragile, in yet she can clearly hold her own in a fight, and to top it off, her accent is a sirens’ call.

“The high, thrilling song of the Sirens will transfix him.”A quote fromThe Odysseyrings in my head.

Is this my omen? To pass fanatically by the coast and save myself? I see her, perched on the rock above the sea, she’s already caught sight of my ship, and her melody is luring me in. I’m a goner.

My thoughts stray to the moment we heard her scream. I knew the prick had been hanging around, but never did I think he would cause harm to someone.

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