Page 48 of The Deception: Hercules Valentine and I

I figure to throw him off my scent, I have to say something that will make him think of anything other than the last thing I said. “Basically, you were the last person I had sex with before last night,” I say.

Hercules leans away from me. “Get out of here.”

I nod, glad that what I disclosed did the job. Instead of picturing me in high school, I gave him the college version of me to think about.

“That was a long time ago,” he says.

“I know.”

“And I was drunk.”

“And you said that you wanted to have sex with me but couldn’t give me more than that.”

He snaps his head back. “I said that?”

“But I didn’t care because you were so… I mean, I was so attracted to you.” I close my eyes as I shake my head. “I guess.”Oh my God, I sound superficial.

“When I woke up, I hoped you were still around. I wanted to… you know…” His eyes turn carnal. “Do it sober.”

As the intensity between us lessens, we start to chuckle.

“And thank you,” he says.

“For what?”

“You saved my life. I could’ve choked on my vomit. That was the last time I’ve gotten that drunk.”

I slap a hand over my breast as I remember that part. “Oh, that’s right! I totally forgot about that.” My smile broadens. “Hercules, you’re welcome.”

Suddenly, his smile fades. I’m stunned by this sudden change of demeanor.

“What is it?” I ask.

His Adam’s apple bobs. “Nothing,” he whispers.

It’s definitely something.

Hercules checks his watch. “I have a meeting soon.”

I don’t believe him. “Oh, okay,” I barely say.

Suddenly, his mouth is delicately on mine. I’m tasting and feeling his tongue until his warm breath grazes my swollen lips.

“You can stay and finish eating,” he whispers.

I’m so discombobulated that I only manage to say, “Okay.”

I watch Hercules walk away. He doesn’t look back as he enters the glass lobby and then the elevator. Only when he’s gone do I worry about getting back into the building. It’s evident that all of his private entry and exit points have been programmed to grant him access—not me, though.

Now that I’m alone, I can’t stop wondering why he left so abruptly.What did I say? Did I do something that finally triggered his memory?

But he kissed me.If he’d figured out who I was, surely he wouldn’t have done that. Maybe he’s on his way to call security. Maybe that was his goodbye kiss.

My heart sinks, and my stomach turns. Even though I feel sick, I can’t toss the rest of Benny’s tasty hot dog. I chew and swallow faster while continuously glancing over my shoulder at the gate, waiting for the worst to happen.Would he send security to collect me through the gate and have them escort me away from the building through the alley?

“Yes,” I whisper. He would.

His actions make perfect sense. Hercules knew I wouldn’t be able to get back inside, which is why he left so suddenly. He took the reasonable course of action for someone who doesn’t want to create a scene. I’ve been caught—and now I’m fired.