Page 68 of Behind the Scenes

I knew what she was talking about. Deep in my soul, I could feel just how tired that child must have been. I had been there too. The only difference between us was the way we decided to fix it.

The water was getting cold, but I didn’t care. I wanted Laura to be able to spill everything.

“And so I did exactly that.” There was pride in her voice now. “I cut them off and became the best damn lawyer in New York.”

“Don’t be humble,” I said with a smirk. “You’re easily the best in the country.”

Her eyes fluttered open, a vulnerability in them I hadn’t seen before.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “But promise me you won’t kill them?”

The rage was still there, but her words doused enough of it for me to think straight.

“Do you love them?”

She shook her head with a laugh. “I don’t, and that’s exactly why you shouldn’t do it. It’d be a waste of yourtalent.”

Hope soared in my chest, and a dangerous need for her was starting to overtake me.

“You’re trying hard to be sarcastic, but I can feel the truth in your words.” My smirk widened. “My Laura is coming around.”

Before she could take back what she said, I reached for her face and slammed our lips together. Her gasp allowed me entrance to her mouth, and I took full advantage of it.

She didn’t push me away.

Pulling away with one small peck on the side of her cheek. “Wait for me in bed.”

She let out a huff before she padded out of the room as if she was annoyed at my command, but I noticed just how excited she really was.

I let myself soak in the cold water for a few moments, using it to calm my anger.

In and out. In and out. Think of your beautiful Laura naked and waiting for you.

You can think about anything else after.After.

When I stepped into the bedroom, Laura was waiting for me. Naked. A teasing smile on her face.

And all the pillows she could find were piled up around her like a shield wall.

“My love, if you think that’s going to stop me, I’m going to have to prove you wrong again.”

harley

. . .

What is she playing at?

I thought things had changed between us. Not only did the contract stipulate we must see each other every few days, but the time we spent in Hawaii was perfect.

Ever since first seeing her, I had dreamt about what it would be like to be with her. For her towantto be with me. The time on the island was like a dream come true.

Maybe it was, but only for me.

She had still been my Laura, but more relaxed. Happier. And more open to the bond between us.

But somehow, as soon as we got back, it had completely changed. She shifted back. She was ignoring me.

No calls. No texts. Not even updates about the case, which she seemed really excited about.