Page 49 of Painting Her Fate

Not only did the physical abuse on her body raise suspicion, but the times where she clicked off from the conversations throughout the day; she has psychological trauma as well.

I can make my own assumptions, and fear it was someone close to her. She seemed comfortable being around her father, not hesitant or startled when in his presence- if anything it was the opposite. I have to remind myself that some people are good at hiding their true selves.

Was he the one to abuse her?

My mind tells me to cut the cord now; keep far away from this woman.

You are way too busy to deal with this Zander. It’s best to end it here

and now. She is asleep, get dressed and go. Forget about her.

Forget about her?No fucking way. I’ll give Shark a call, see if he can find anything on Lili now that I know her full name. Shark can help her-he has his nose in all sections of governmental info and can hack like no tomorrow. He is the Marine I know will get the job done.

Then I remember the call that kept interrupting the evening.

Mom, the night owl she is, knows I tend to live at the bar after closing time to work on paperwork and fix shit. She called to remind me of the cookout for Emma’s birthday later today. If I deny her this, she will track me down and beat me with her wooden spoon. Trust me, it only takes one time of being slapped with that instrument for you to follow orders. I learned quick, my brother Gavin on the other hand, has yet to.

My mom celebrates just about any occasion, this one is for my sister

Emma turning thirty. These get-togethers are mom’s way to see the family- her pride and joy and reason for living. Best not to upset the one who gave birth to you.

Exhaling, I pull Lili closer and will my brain to shut off.

This feisty female holds a bit of Scotland in her, especially when pissed off- she reminds me of a shieldmaiden- wielding an axe and ready to slay anyone who stands in her way. Her accent is a little softer on the edges when she’s tired. Why the cover?More mysteries.

I decide I will give Shark a call, consequences be damned.

Sighing, I’m now wrapped in a cocoon of all things Lili. Her shampoo smells of a fresh rainfall on the petals of lavender and it seems to help in the meditative calm for sleep. Not sure I can think of lavender any other way now. I close my eyes, allowing the warmth of her body to lull me into dreamland, where no doubt it will be filled with visions of this siren. Let’s hope no nightmares come knocking while I’m here.

“Alexander?” I feel Lili’s hand stroking my cheek as I come to. I could listen to her enunciate my full name every day and never tire of it. My eyes lift to hers, “Hey, it’s alright. I’m here.” She coos, combing her fingers through my hair and wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead.

That was a damned dream? Shit.Having a dream about Lili straddling me on her bed, both of us naked, those luscious tits of hers bouncing-... *deep breath* I swallow hard as I push away the hopeful premonition.

“You were shaking and breathing wildly.” Lili is looming over me, questions swirling in her eyes, “I worried you were having an episode, then you called my name-”

“No, I-I’m good.” I close my eyes and cling to the temptations swirling around me.

How the hell can I look at her now? All I can think about is her flushed face as she got herself off riding my cock. Her head thrown back; lips parted on a moan-

“You don’t look so good, and you feel feverish.” Her palm cups my forehead then my neck.

There is no way I can answer her. My mind is full of dirty innuendos and wishful thinking. We’re not ready for that side of Zander to show himself yet. Instead, I focus on how her unruly waves hide half her lovely face from my view. Can’t have that. I bring a hand to brush away her hair, tuck it behind her ear and watch her eyes flutter, her face turns into my touch and a soft sigh passes her lips.

“You are a temptress, sweet Lili.” I whisper as the pad of my thumb glides along her skin.

She laughs lightly and pulls back, aiming to play it off, “Ford was right; you’re delusional.”

Delusional over you, maybe.This is not like me at all.Jesus, I’m acting like a sex-crazed boy. Get it together, Zander.I try hiding my erection under the blanket by lifting my leg, “I’m only stating facts.”

Her lips turn down in a frown and I fear I’ve touched a nerve, “I’m flawed. You felt as much.” She could never make me believe those are flaws, someone else gave her those- I’m certain of it. Besides, I’m the beast with repulsive marks, not she.

“You’re not flawed, Lili,” I convey in all honesty, “you are beautiful, there is no convincing me otherwise.”

Her cheeks pinken as she shifts her gaze away and I can sense her inner battle.

“You only just met me. You do not know me,” her voice lowers to a whisper, “or what I’ve done.”

She pushed my hand away and tries hiding her face in her pillow. She’s cute when she’s shy.

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