Chapter 12 #2
“I disagree with you. I don’t know what kind of world you live in, and I do understand people are often horrible in their misguided view of anyone forced into a similar position, but not everyone is a terrible representation of humanity.
Your cane doesn’t make you a cripple, Montgomery.
Your mind is playing enough tricks to convince you that you’re less of a man. I know that’s not the truth.”
“Perhaps you’re right, Fleur, but our worlds are different.”
She shook her head, staring down at the cane in her hand before holding it out for me to take. “Then I don’t think I’d like your world very much. However, we live on the same planet the last time I checked.”
“Nothing I’d want to subject you to. You’re far too…” There was such defiance in the feisty woman.
Her anticipation of me finishing the sentence was evident on her face. What could I offer that would help with the awkward moment? She’d touched me in more ways than just allowing me to taste her luscious body. For a few precious hours, she’d allowed me to be someone I wasn’t and could never be.
“Say it, Montgomery. I’m a big girl. There were no expectations when I agreed to come with you last night.
None. My life might seem simple to you, but I have my own share of complications that far exceed running a business.
We’re not an instant item because of a taste of blissful passion.
You’re here for one distinct purpose whether you like it or not.
Healing enough that you can return to your real world, where you could have died from a horrific injury received by an enemy.
Don’t worry. I don’t want to know any more about the reason why.
That’s your business. You have your life, I have mine.
What we shared was amazing but can never happen again. I’m fine with that. Okay?”
The way she lifted her chin, seeing the crimson spots on her cheeks from the brusque chill and the way her lips pursed together while still slightly open was a powerful draw.
Enough that I longed to take her in my arms and drag her back to bed. But she was right. Even after my possessive insistence, I’d need to let her go. A flower flourishing on its own.
“Understood. I’ll take you back to your car when you’re ready.”
Now she appeared sheepish. “I own a truck and I didn’t drive to Wildwood. My friend picked me up. She was convinced I wouldn’t show up.”
“And why is that?” I finally took the cane from her hand, loathing the feel of the cold steel against my fingertips.
For a split second, I thought she might indulge me with why the date had weighed heavily on her mind, but I was mistaken. She brushed her hand through her hair, the flash in her eyes indicating a memory better left in the past.
“Let’s just leave it that we both have pasts and if I had to guess, I’d say yours was as colorful as mine.
Sometimes the secrets holding them together that enable us to shove them in a padlocked box are necessary.
I have a feeling you know exactly what I mean.
I’ll be ready to leave in a few minutes. After I change clothes.”
I almost told her not to bother.
“What I said before I meant. Plus, seeing you with the cane is very sexy.” Another heated flash of her eyes was followed by a sinful smile.
Goddamn, what the woman did to my manhood.
She backed into the house, disappearing before I could offer anything else.
I stood where I was, uncertain why I was experiencing feelings that I hadn’t in a very long time. Maybe because she was tolerant of my gruffness, my inability to connect. And that there was no sense of romance in my psyche.
Or maybe simply because she’d been the one to shut things down.
Nothing that I’d ever had happen before.
There were plenty of women who’d give up their identity and their freedom to take the Prince name.
Not because I was some great catch. With me there was baggage along for the ride.
But for the aspect of wealth and influence.
Nothing I’d wanted or tolerated.
Laughing to myself, I grabbed my jacket and moved inside. Fleur stood only a few feet away, staring at her phone. With her head down, I couldn’t see her expression, but I felt the tension and every muscle in her body was stiff.
“Is something wrong?”
She dragged her tongue across her bottom lip while slowly turning her head toward me.
It took a full three seconds for her to fake a smile while ensuring I couldn’t see her screen.
“Not at all. I’m just having continuous issues with shipments coming into the store.
Nothing my assistant manager can’t take care of. Besides, this is my day off.”
The woman was lying. Whatever text had been sent had rattled her to her core.
My little French flower was correct. There wasn’t a man or woman alive who didn’t carry a dark secret with them like a boulder carried around their necks.
More than ever, I was curious as to what could trouble a sweet, intelligent, beautiful woman like Fleur. One thing was certain. I had every intention of finding out.
The awkwardness continued between us, the silence while I drove her home annoying as fuck. I’d tried to figure out something to say to her, but I’d never been interested in fake conversations for the sake of making them. Small talk was highly overrated.
“My driveway is up there on the left.”
Without glancing in my direction, she pointed toward where I was to go.
The house itself was quaint, the small home placed in a beautiful setting, although the mountains would be difficult to see from anywhere inside the house.
She had a colorful flag out front, the image of a hummingbird strange for this time of year, but the background a perfect match for her turquoise door.
I also noticed a shed that was a tiny representation of the house complete with the same color door and shutters.
She finally glanced in my direction while unfastening her seatbelt. “That’s my workshop.”
“Your workshop?”
Her laugh held some of the haughtiness from before. “I also dabble in making pottery. I sell a few pieces at the store. I like being creative. They aren’t masterpieces, but when I’d sitting at the pottery wheel, I’m at peace. Maybe you need to find a hobby. That could ease your suffering.”
“Pottery making will help ease my leg pain?”
The look she threw me immediately tested my physical resolve. My cock was at full attention once again.
“No, silly. Your mental suffering.” The laugh continued as she threw open the door.
“A day off, huh?”
“Yes. Errands and hoping to spend some time behind the wheel. I need to make a bowl or two for my shop.”
Another awkward moment filled the cab. I’d never been unable to find words to say, including when I’d all but tossed a woman from my bed.
“Um. Thank you for a nice evening. You certainly were a… welcome surprise.” Fleur looked away as if embarrassed to admit that what we’d shared had been incredible.
The bastard inside of me couldn’t allow the moment to go without cupping her chin and pulling her face toward me. Her lips were positioned in a perfect O, highlighting her heart-shaped mouth.
“I thoroughly enjoyed your company.” The taste of coffee and a hint of vanilla assaulted my senses in the best way possible.
I took my time tugging her close, keeping our lips apart while she wrapped her fingers around my shirt.
Now she was pulling me closer. There was a moment where I almost reneged again, asking her to stay. But what good would come of it?
I needed to work, spending time searching the internet and making contact to those owing me a favor. When my lips touched hers, she stiffened at first and I was certain she planned on pushing me away.
Instead, she shifted even closer, arching her back.
Even the scent of her freshly washed hair infused my senses with the same dark hunger from the night before.
Soft and luscious, her lips were a stark reminder of her vulnerability around me.
But I couldn’t help myself, savoring the sweetness and her limited surrender.
As I swept my tongue inside her hot mouth, I captured her moan, holding the sound in my throat. She twisted her hand around my shirt, the tips of her fingers finding my chest. The touch not only sizzled my skin but created another series of filthy images.
I continued to wonder if she had any idea of the thoughts running through my mind.
When the kiss was finally over, she sighed, the sound almost resentful but the moment was soon lost and she scooted from my grasp.
With a polite nod that she’d offer any of her customers, she shifted further away.
She stepped out and I’d be damned if I wasn’t twisting my hand around the steering wheel in frustration. Why the hell didn’t I ask her to dinner? One last evening spent together.
Because she was right.
Ending it now was best for both of us.
When she stuck her head back into the SUV, it took every ounce of control not to grab her by the hair. “By the way. If you get bored or hungry, Tilly’s diner has excellent food and the best milkshakes this side of Colorado.”
“In the snow and ice?”
“The best time to have one.” She winked and closed the door.
And another pang of desire tore through me.
I waited until she was safely inside before pulling away, still chastising myself that for the first time, I’d allowed some crazy sense of moral compass to interfere with my savage desires. What in the hell was that all about?
A laugh formed and continued to make its presence known as I headed back to the house, enjoying the scenery as much as the drive. Maybe the fresh air really was doing me some good.
As soon as I pulled into the driveway, I felt a strange, even unwanted sense of loss. And loneliness. After climbing out, I spent a few seconds enjoying the scenery. Who knew. Maybe at some point I’d take up skiing again.
With that thought still rumbling around in my brain, I headed inside. Using my cane. Hobbling the entire time and why? Because I’d put undue stress on the injury.
Fuck me if the living room didn’t smell like her, fresh and soft, floral yet tinged with just a hint of musk. Enough to create another series of evil thoughts. The empty fireplace immediately commanded my attention.
What the hell? Why not finish a goddamn task using her advice? With a roaring fire going, I’d concentrate on the necessary business. After flinging the jacket onto the stump, I grabbed the maul, more determined than ever not to allow the hunks of wood to win.
After standing just so, I swung the maul, catching the piece of wood in the right place. Well, hell. The feisty woman was right. Something else I’d never admit.
Just before taking another swing, something caught my attention. Instantly bristling, I replaced the maul with my gun, scanning the entire perimeter as I walked to the line of trees flanking the back of the property. Bending down, I took a deep breath.
Footprints.