Page 43 of Savage Prince
I nod. “I did.”
“It’s about damn time. That heron is mine if you ever decide to sell it, so don’t you dare unload it while I’m gone.” She waves and twirls, disappearing back into her place through the back door. “Be safe! Don’t forget to use condoms for group sex!” She shuts and locks it without another backward glance, which is probably good because once more, I’m dumbstruck.
As I climb the curving metal staircase, I shake my head. An octogenarian is living a bigger life than me. Or septuagenarian. Either way, Harriet is grabbing life by the horns and I’m ... waiting for it to come to me.
It’s not until I’m stepping out of the shower that a small voice breaks through my conflicting thoughts.What if I don’t wait? What if I go after it?
I can’t get the possibility out of my head as I wipe the steam from the mirror and face myself.
“Am I done waiting?” I ask my reflection. After a beat, I answer myself. “Yeah, I think I am.”
Wrapped in a towel, I pad out to my living area and grab my phone off the table. I find a number I’ve never had the occasion to use and tap out a text.
Temperance:Will I be able to get into the club tonight if I don’t have a card?
My two frontteeth worry my lower lip as I set my phone down on the table. Magnolia Maison doesn’t strike me as the type to reply right away.
I force myself to head back into the bathroom and leave it be. That lasts about thirty seconds before I spin around to grab the phone and leave it on the edge of the sink while I do my makeup.
Either way, I’m not going to stay holed up in my apartment tonight. I’m going out, and I’m going tolive.
Chapter 20
Temperance
The reply comes as I’m blow-drying my hair.
Magnolia:You work up the nerve to come and I’ll take care of you.
It’slike she can see inside my head to the warring thoughts.
Don’t even consider it.
Bad idea.
Come on, what could it hurt?
Maybe if you just go and watch ...
She’s also right about me having to work up the nerve. It’s a full two hours later when the elegant mansion comes into view.
Every time I’ve come here has been different. The first time, I was completely unprepared. The second time, nervous but excited. This time ... butterflies the size of turkey vultures flap around in my belly.
I almost chicken out at the gate. But I don’t.
I put my Bronco into park and lean on the steering wheel for a few seconds as I contemplate changing my mind for the hundredth time.
Why don’t I turn around and drive home? Because once I walk in those doors, I don’t have to be me. I don’t have to worry about all the responsibilities hanging over my head, the future, or the past.
I never knew I could crave an escape so much. And then there’s the man.
Whether he’s here or not, he’s unleashed something inside me that I never knew existed.
The valet opens the door and I step out, already wearing my mask. I’m finally starting to feel like I belong. Instead of walking up the stairs with wary steps, I climb them with confidence, my stride evidence of my resolve.
I’m ready for whatever comes next.
Magnolia meets me inside the foyer. “Don’t you look sassy tonight?” She appraises me from head to toe. “Damn, girl. Where you been hiding that body?”
