Page 80 of Meet Me In The Dark

Before I can think, I grab Julian’s forearm and yank him sideways into a shallow doorway.

I hate that his first instinct is to protect me. He cages me in without a second’s hesitation, his shoulders blocking me from view.

“What the hell, Celeste?” His breath is warm against my cheek.

I lift a finger past his shoulder. “Kingsley.”

His head jerks around, and his entire body stiffens.

When he looks back at me, his voice is a low growl. “You’re hiding from him?”

“He offered me a job,” I breathe, pulse spiking. “He doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. I can’t deal with him this morning.”

Julian’s gaze searches mine. “Has he—”

“No. Nothing like that. He’s just relentless. Calls, emails. He shows up where I am trying to charm an agreement from me. He doesn’t hear me.”

“He doesn’t hear you, or you haven’t made yourself clear enough?”

“I’ve made myself perfectly clear. Kingsley’s not used to being denied.”

“Then maybe someone else needs to deliver the message.”

“Put your penis away, caveman. I can handle Kingsley.”

And then, because apparently my sanity is irrelevant, he tucks a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

“Promise me something, Celeste.” His voice is soft enough to hurt.

I look up, shivering. “What?”

“Don’t take that job.”

I force a smile. “Afraid I’ll move overseas? I thought you would celebrate. No more babysitting on morning runs.”

“I’m serious.” The snap in his voice kills my smile. “Kingsley’s company is a sinking ship. I won’t watch you drown with it.”

My eyes search his, but all I see is concern, honesty, and... affection.

No, don’t do this to me, Julian.

This isn’t what he was supposed to be. He was supposed to be a single night, one moment, one forgotten fantasy. Not this. Not this frustratingly beautiful man whose quiet concern is breaking through every carefully built barrier I’ve spent years creating.

Damn him for sneaking under my skin and making me feel things I was perfectly happy burying.

My irritation flares, but it’s directed more at myself. Julian’s just the unlucky bastard standing in front of me, about to bear the brunt of months’ worth of pent-up tension.

“Why do you care, huh? Seriously,” I gesture between us. “What the hell is this, you showing up and running with me every morning? I’m just a womanyou fucked once.”

He grips my chin hard, forcing me to look directly into his eyes. “Careful, Celeste,” he warns. “You’re starting to sound emotional.”

I bark out a bitter laugh. “That’s it, isn’t it? You like the chase. You’ve literally been chasing me for weeks.” The cutting words spill out before I can stop them. “What is this, Julian? Are you that bored? Need another notch on your belt? I told you already, it was one night. Nothing.”

Lie. Every word.

“Honestly,” I whisper, “what are you doing?”

He leans in closer, the space between us vanishing until all I can see, all I can breathe, is him.