Page 13 of Ache
Fucker.
I press my back against the wall, clutch my coffee cup, and pray the snake doesn’t bite. I still can’t shake off the way he looked at me Friday night on the balcony of the firm’s penthouse. I felt his eyes on me from the inside out. The ground shook beneath me like an earthquake, and for a split second, I thought I was plummeting to my death. It was . . .an out-of-body experience.And although it only lasted a few seconds in real time, its impression is permanently branded me. I shiver from the recollection, hoping Alec doesn’t catch wind.
I’m not that lucky. He shifts to the side of the elevator, leans on the wall, and stares straight at me. My small shiver morphs into uncomfortable fidgeting.What is this weirdo’s deal?I push my glasses up my nose and stare back. If he’s trying to intimidate me, it’s not going to work. At least, I’m not going to let it show that it’s working. Tage once told me, “be a rock on the outside even if you feel like a pile of rubble on the inside. It’ll help you survive.” I have taken that advice to heart, because most of the time, that’s what I am. A pile of rubble within. And the only way to protect my fragile self is to confine my feelings in a prison of granite.
Neither of us says a word as we rise toward our office lobby. The whole time, it feels as if Alec is sizing me up. What does he see? Definitely not the girl from the other night. That’s probably what he’s wondering. How canshebe the same person? I have news for you, Alec, I have no idea. Most of the time, I struggle to find my identity.
The elevator dings on our floor, but Alec isn’t quick to move. I swallow hard, trying not to notice his striking blue eyes or sharp, handsome facial features or thick, wavy black hair styled back perfectly. He’s the epitome of temptation when his sour attitude isn’t getting in the way.
“Did you have a nice weekend, Miss Paige?” he asks almost as if he’s taunting me. As if he knows whatever happened between us on the balcony is still lingering in the air.
“Did you?” I shoot back. The corner of his mouth lifts slightly. It’s the only part of the man that moves. And crazily, I feel that small gesture’s effect throughout my entire body. It buzzes from my stomach to my groin to my scalp and over again. “I’ve had better.” I do nothing but blink as the doors slide open and he strides out. Leaving me, my coffee, and my confusion behind.
I walk across the lobby and take my seat behind the long, front desk — plop into my seat is more like it. I can’t get Alec-fucking-weirdo out of my head.
Lara swivels in her chair next to me. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I definitely feel like I just left a freak show.” I turn on my computer and take another hefty sip of coffee.
“Did Alec say something strange to you in the elevator?”
“Alec is just strange, plain and simple.” I avoid the question entirely.
“Ever.” Lara slides across the shiny floor in her chair. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
I swing my head over, my stomach dropping. “Like what?” No one knows about my sordid past. Who my stepfather is or what he did to me. It was buried in a sealed file years ago because I was a minor, and that’s where I would like to keep it. The only reminder I have left of those dark days is Tage. He’s the last link, and I can’t seem to escape him. As much as I want to. As much as I try, he always turns up, no matter how many times I tell him not to. No matter how many times I tell him I don't need him anymore. He’s my one solid reminder of that life. Maybe if he goes, all the heartache and pain from that time will go with him.
“Like, is there something going on with you and Alec?” she whispers. I almost throw up in my mouth.
“Something between me and Alec? Eww, no. He’s a royal asshole who is all fucking high and mighty. Why would I want anything to do with him?”
“I don’t know.” Lara shrugs. “Maybe because ever since I dragged you off the balcony Friday night, you’ve been acting kind of strange.”
“Stranger than usual?”
Lara purses her lips. I have her there. “Yes, stranger than usual.”
“Like how?”
“Like your head is totally in the clouds, and now, getting off the elevator together, and that look you had on your face. Did he kiss you?” Her voice elevates conspiratorially. “Did he push you up against the wall and say, ‘fuck the paperwork’?”
“Ugh.” I shove Lara away, and she rolls across the floor, giggling.
“You’re an idiot.” I slide my glasses back up my nose.
“You love me.” She cheerfully types something on her keyboard.
“Sometimes.” I roll my eyes. I have a pile of work to do and the last thing I need are distractions. Especially the Alec Prescott kind. “Speaking of classified relationships, how’s yours? Did you and big L have a fun-filled weekend?” Big L is Luke’s code name.
“Yes,” Lara sighs. “I’m stupidly in love. It’s official.”
“More importantly, is he?” I peer over at her.
Lara stops all movement and stares off into space. I watch her pretty face, wondering what she’s thinking about?
“I think so,” she finally answers sweetly. Contently.
I hope so, for your sake.
