Page 24 of Consumed By You

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I’m forming an email to the agricultural manager about the time of our meeting on Friday morning when there’s a knock on my door and I call out, “Come in.”

It’s Benjamin. He’s dressed in dark jeans and a black dress shirt that’s unbuttoned to perfection. It’s as if he’s trying to kill me.

I clear my throat and look back down at the email. “I’m writing Bob about the meeting for Friday. Is ten good for you?”

“That’s fine.” He looks around as I type out the rest of the message. As I’m closing the computer, he asks, “Do you like your room?”

“Yes, thank you. I’ve never stayed anywhere as beautiful as this.”

“Have you traveled ever?” He sits on the corner of my bed and I try to push away the fact that we’re both on it together.

“No.”

“So you were born in New York?”

“No.” He raises his eyebrow, pushing back his rolled sleeves and giving me a deadpan look. I try again. “I lived in Florida for a while after my parents died.”

“Oh? What part?”

“Tampa.” I stand up and straighten my dress.

“I’ve been to Tampa. Your uncle lives there?”

“Why so many questions?” I quip, feeling a darkness resurface in my mind. I don’t want to tell him about Florida. I don’t want to tell him about my uncle.

“I’m just trying to get to know you, Darcy. People do that when they first meet,” he says sarcastically.

“Some things are better left unsaid.”

“Darcy.” He shakes his head, sighing heavily.

“Why do you evenwantto know?”

His eyes open wide at the harshness I cannot conceal in my tone. “Fuck, never mind.” He stands up, holding up his hands in defeat. I follow him out of the room.

“I’m not used to talking about my life with someone,” I explain through clenched teeth. “I don’t like to!”

“Why?” He pours a scotch, his eyes angry. His knuckles are pale white against the magnificent glass decanter.

“Because I don’t know you, really.”

“You won’tletme get to know you, Darcy!” he shouts, holding his arms out.

“You know what?Fine!” I exclaim, holding my arms out in surrender. “My parents died and I was sent to live with my uncle. The man was an abomination of a human beingwho hurt me. I ran away.” I pinch my temples in a vain attempt to forget I even said those words. “Now you know!”

Needing to be alone, I stalk back into my room, shutting the door behind me. I lie down on the bed, pulling the fluffy pillow into my body, seeking comfort in it. It’s hard to get the startled expression that crossed his features after my admission settled out of my mind. I can’t believe I told him. Adam’s the only other person I’ve ever told, and it was only because he saw the proof. I barely know this man. I can’t trust him to keep my secrets. I think of the small scars from the cigarette butts that cover the length of my back. I think of Adam’s face when he saw them. How understanding he was, how sweet.

I flinch slightly when I hear the door suddenly open.

Shit, he’s here.

The bed sinks at his weight and his strong arms go around my waist. His hard body is warm against my back.

Holy shit! Benjamin Scott is here. He’s comforting me.

I try to keep my heartbeat at a normal pace, but I can’t bring it down.