Page 30 of Wicked God
“Oh? Thinking about me?”
She shakes her head, but her eyes narrow. “How are you so…” She trails off.
“So?”
“Calm and collected. I thought you’d be furious.”
“Why would I be furious?” I step closer.
“You know why.” Her voice drops to a whisper, eyes darting to my mouth. “You left without talking things through last night.”
“And that’s why you’re distracted? Because I walked out like nothing happened?”
Her gaze doesn’t waver, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. I take another step closer, my shadow falling over her desk.
“I don’t know how to handle you.” Her frustration is palpable. “You’re a confusing man.”
“I could say the same,” I murmur, closing the distance between us.
Standing before her, I reach to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She freezes, wide-eyed, as I lean in. Our mouths hover a breath apart. For a heartbeat, I think she’ll meet me halfway. But she stays still, her breath mingling with mine, my fingers tangled in her hair.
“I’m confused, too,” I whisper, my lips grazing hers. “Everything about you confuses me, love.”
She remains silent, her eyes on my mouth.
I lower my lips, hovering over hers, letting the tension build before I pull away, slow and deliberate. My hand falls away. I step back, but our eyes stay locked.
“I walked out because I needed to think. And trust me, Olivia, I’ve been thinking.”
“Don’t play games with me.” Olivia takes a deep breath. “Don’t give me false hope. I’m desperate right now. I don’t have time for games.”
“Neither do I. Let’s continue this conversation tonight. I’ll pick you up at eight; I already know where you live. I just need your apartment number.”
She exhales. “5B.”
I nod, committing it to memory. “I’ll see you at eight, then.”
I’m almost at the door when she calls after me, “Alexander?”
I pause, looking back over my shoulder. She’s standing now, hands braced on her desk.
“What should I wear?”
I let my gaze trail slowly down her body, taking in every curve. “That’s entirely up to you. I’m sure I won’t be able to look away no matter what you wear.”
Chapter 15
Olivia
My closet door hangs open, clothes strewn across my bed and floor like a crime scene in progress. The little black dress I’ve finally chosen clings in all the right places without being desperate. Underneath, I’ve chosen the red lace set I bought in a moment of boldness but never had the courage to wear. Alexander won’t see it, but knowing it’s there makes me stand a little straighter, breathe a little deeper. My own secret armor for the evening ahead.
I take another look in the mirror, second-guessing my choice again. The bright red lipstick feels too bold, too daring. I grab a tissue and blot it off for the second time, opting for a softer pink shade instead.
God, I’m a mess.
The doorbell rings, sending a flock of butterflies on a frantic escape through my ribcage.
“Coming!” I call, and Duchess slinks around the corner, her tail high and twitching, eyes narrowed.