Page 68 of Painting Her Fate

If she does find that I invaded her privacy this way, I know I’m fucking screwed and I’ll willingly accept her beating. This connection to Lili has never been felt with anyone else before.

A lap in judgement might cost me everything.

Worlds collide my sweet

Shattered souls, darkness follows

Viciously calling

(Darkness is Near- Alexander)

Making the decision that could make or break a relationship barely beginning to sprout, I flip the cover over and shrug off the nagging feelings as best I could. I doubt there is anything damning in here.

A quick perusal, then put it back, Zander. Make sure everything is back the way you found it.Knowing Lili, she is going to notice something out of place.

Flipping through it quickly, I find almost every page had some sort of drawing, sketch, or idea started. These, like the paintings, are also highly creative and realistic, some might even be a little dark. I pass sketches of scenery similar to the ones on her device as well as a few drawings of Tamara and her Gran. My heart leapt and my eyes went wide when I came across page after page of a baby’s face with the name ‘Sadie’in the corner of every single one.

Is this hers? She never mentioned having a daughter.

Is this her deep secret?

It has to be. Why else would she have so many drawings of this child?

*Awe*Lili has a child.

If it is true, it is one hell of a secret to keep. A thought tickles the back of my mind telling me there is far more to it than that.

The last page to have anything on it takes me aback. It’s a man’s head

and his shoulder, a familiar face; my face.

She drew me?

The depiction below had, ‘firstglimpse’. This must’ve been when we met for the first time on the ambulance. She left me speechless as I took her in, remembering her strength as she fought off the addict from the alley. Her determination impressed, as well as frustrated and scared the shit out of me.

No woman would be on guard like that unless something else happened.

Before I get too pissed off at the thought of someone harming Lili, I close the book, tuck it and the envelope of tip money inside her bag then zip it up.

Gripping the steering wheel tightly, I take in a few deep breaths to calm myself before putting the truck in gear and peeling out of the lot.

I get to her door with my head in a questionable fog. I heave a breath an let it go before knocking. It doesn’t take long before I hear the latch of the lock and the door swings open, Lili filling the doorway.

The night comes rushing back as I look my fill of this temptress. This woman’s presence commands my attention, holds a hint of sugar, and promises of spice just beyond the threshold.

Dressed in the same clothing, the only difference I find is her hair is out of the ponytail, wild untamed waves now in its stead. I’m impressed; she knows how to follow orders.

“What a good girl.”I breathe this statement low, and somehow Lili catches it, that teasing grin an indication of what’s to come.

Let’s see how long it is before the mistress takes hold. I have a feeling it won’t be long at all.

“Alexander, so nice to see you.” There’s coyness in her subtle Scottish timbre. She’s let down more than just her hair tonight and my heart gives a pang of desire at wanting to hear more fall from her lips. “What brings you by?” She cocks a hip and glances to her bag.

Ah, is it roleplay she likes? I’m more than happy to partake.

“Just doing my gentlemanly duty of returning this to its owner.” I tip my imaginary hat to her.Two can play at this game.

Her smile held mischief as she meets my stare, “that’s kind of you.” I step closer, enough to sense her warmth as I offer the bag to her. There is no better way I’d rather spend my evening than with her on her couch, or on the counter, maybe in her bed, or my favorite; pinned against the balcony windows looking over the water as I slam into her hot, wet heat.

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