Page 79 of The Photograph

So here I am, standing at the bottom of the stairs leading to my front door, I turn my smile to Andy, a blind date one of my clients arranged, convinced we were made for each other.

I point at my door. “This is me. Thank you for the lovely evening.”

He wraps his hands around my shoulders and dives his kind brown eyes into mine.

“May I kiss you, Aelin?”

With my heeled sandals on, we’re nearly eye to eye. I nod with a smile.

His hands on my waist pull me to him. The assault of his aftershave combined with his plowing tongue… Nope. No.

I lean back with a smile, thank him again before making my way home.

In my bedroom, I kick my heels off which bounce against the last box I have yet to unpack and turn on the shower.

There’re a lot of sloppy kissers out there. And biters. And lickers.

Sliding under the covers, I curl on my side. Damn Gabe for making it so hard to get over him.

****

Curled up on the sofa in front of the TV I’m half watching a shoot-em-up movie when Cara, looking gorgeous, on her way out to meet some friends she made during her tour, blows me a kiss. I wave at her with a smile but straighten up as she slants her shoulder on the doorjamb.

She sets her purse on the coffee table, settles next to me, and takes my hand while I sit up.

“What’s wrong?” we ask at the same time.

I grin while she smiles, but her expression sobers, and I squeeze her hand as she leans in.

“What’s wrong, angel?”

I shake my head. “Nothing.”

When her green eyes laser on my chest, I instinctively touch my pendant. She pinches her lips. “Is this new?”

I clear my throat and nod.

“Did the asshole buy that for you?”

My fingers still on the crystal, I lower my eyes and nod again.

With a sigh, she tugs on my hand, and I lock my gaze into hers. “Angel, he’s not a good person. Give it to me and I’ll return it to that piece of shit.”

My heartbeat quickens, but I can’t move.No, this is mine.After a couple of seconds, Cara cups my face in her soft hands. “Angel, you deserve better—”

“I know, but I want to keep it.” At her frown, I clear my throat. “Gabe’s not that…”

Her eyes flash with anger. “Aelin, he’s a monster—”

I grab her hands. “He’s not. He was doing this for his brother…”

When she gets on her feet, I unfurl from my seat and catch her hand. “My Cara, you of all people can understand that. He loves Mitch—”

My chest tightens when she yanks her hands out. “You’re comparing me to that pervert!”

When I move to take her in my arms, she steps back “Cara, I’m sorr—”

Cara snatches her bag and strides to the front door.

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