Page 31 of When Sinners Fall

Every part of my body aches in ways I’ve never felt before – never even thought of before.

The hot shower is bliss, but my ass is tender, and I notice a few other marks on my skin as I dry off in front of the mirror. My fingers trail over the bruises and redness on my skin, and searing hot memories of last night race back and hit me one after another, making my skin tingle all over again.

I don’t know what I anticipated last night, but that wasn’t it. Saying that, I enjoyed myself – at least some elements of it. It might have been dark, but it wasn't quite the fantasy I’d dreamt up for myself.It was so hot, though.

Sex unlike anything I’ve had before.

And with Dante.

My heart gives a little stutter at the memory of him without his shirt on and his skin covered in tattoos. I had no time to appreciate the ink, but it called to a part of me. It called on such a level that I craved to touch and explore as much as I craved his own touch.

I brush my teeth and walk like a zombie out into the bedroom.

And check the clock.

I’m late for work.

Shit!

No amount of coffee can make up for the lack of sleep, and I feel like crap. My feet are still throbbing from being in those stupid heels all night. I chose them because they made my ass look hot, but I didn’t expect to be in them for long.

Note to self for next time.

As I drain the coffee in my first cup, I turn on my phone. I didn’t want any distractions last night, and of course, as it comes to life, the stream of missed calls and text messages arrive. All from Bridezilla.

~

“Oh, are you feeling alright?” Penny looks down her nose at me as I walk in and manages to look even more perturbed than usual.

“I’m not feeling my best.” I smile and head to my desk. The clatter of her heels after me rattles in my head.

“You have several missed calls, all from Ms Addison, and she’s on her way in.”

My eyes roll and only add to the slight headache that’s coming on. “Great.”

“And, she’s asked for a meeting with Louisa.”

“What?” I spin around and confront Penny. She almost runs into me and backs up a little with a stunned look on her face.

“Well, you were unreachable, and apparently, that’s unacceptable for her.”

“I was unreachable from the hours of ten until seven in the morning. That is not unreasonable.” I grit my teeth and suppress the irritation that’s grown into full-out pissed off.

I dump my bag at my desk and turn on my computer, but notice a few others in the office looking in my direction.

“Penny,” I breathe. “What time is she due in?”

“Any minute. And Louisa will be seeing her, too.”

“Is she in her office now?”

“Yes, but-”

“No buts.”

I take off my sunglasses, shake my hair, walk to the end of the open-plan space and knock on the door.

“Come.”