Page 88 of Perfume Girl

“Excuse me.” I strolled out and headed toward the lounge.

I walked up to the glass wall and stared out at the scene of last night’s near disaster, taking in the empty pool that was now drained of water and the sunlight glinting off the blue and white tiles. The downed power line was gone. Over the wall, on my neighbor’s property, a technician was at the top of the pole fixing the line.

Outside the sun burst its brightness over the garden—a contrast to the unrelenting tension that resided inside.

What if she asks about your past? What if she digs around for the truth?

My life had been dedicated to protecting my family, and when a woman got too close there was only one way to deal with their curiosity. This secret was my burden to bear.

And besides, I hardly knew Raquel and no doubt I’d have to come to terms with ending this self-indulgent urge to spend time with her. Though in the world of perfumery she was clearly my equal in chemistry and there was something intriguing about that.

But I didn’t want her to know about my past.

The haunting words spoken by Father Fernando all those years ago had not been meant for my ears.

“If that’s what a boy can do imagine what the man will be capable of. We must save him from himself.”

Ignoring these macabre thoughts, I opened the sliding door to gaze out at the ocean. I breathed in the fresh, warm air and admired the seascape beyond.

When I turned around, Raquel was standing behind me.

She didn’t look like someone who was pleased with themselves for infiltrating my space, if that was indeed why she was here. She merely appeared intrigued with the man who had invited her on a whim to stay with him, no strings attached. Yet last night…

I gestured for her to join me. “Come here.”

She walked over and stood beside me. “Astor, thank you for breakfast.”

“Of course. Make yourself at home.”

“I’m very low maintenance, usually,” she said softly.

“You should never admit that.” I broke into a smile. “Let them think you’re worth every second of their time.”

She turned her attention to the garden. “I meant…if you have somewhere to be today.”

“I can see I’m going to have to build up your self-esteem.”

“My self-esteem is fine.”

I arched a brow, and she added, “Please don’t ever again ask me a personal question while your dick is inside me.” Her eyes flashed with passion.

“I’m a cautious man.”

“Take your arrogance down a notch, okay?”

I found her sudden feistiness arousing. “I will do my best—”

“I’m not done.”

“Let’s have it then, Ms. Wren.”

She pointed in the direction of the kitchen. “Don’t ever change the channel on the TV when I’m watching it. You can ask me if I’m done watching it first.” She raised her hand in her defense. “I know I’m a guest and I’m grateful but I’m nipping that in the bud right now.”

I gave her an amused smile. “Okay.”

“You hate me now don’t you?”

I stared at her for the longest time. “So no changing the TV while my dick is in you. Got it.”