Page 102 of Bad Influence
“Just didn’t find someone I wanted,” he replies, lathering my hair.
“In all of New York? In more than three years?” I ask.
Killian gently massages my head and it might be the best scalp massage I’ve ever received. I close my eyes, losing myself to the sensation and his care.
“Yes.” His reply is succinct, his tone making it clear he’s not going to answer any more questions.
He doesn’t ask me why it’s been three years for me. Probably because he doesn’t want to talk about Beckett. Most likely because he guessed Beckett was busy with his assistant.
Once my hair is clean, I turn around and wash his hair. I laugh when he has to bend his head down so I can wash it properly.
When the water starts to run cold, we step out and dry off. Killian wraps a towel around his waist and helps me put in my bathrobe.
“What do you want for dinner?”
“Lots of carbs.”
Kissing my neck, he steps out of the bathroom to order our dinner. I look at myself in the mirror, my eyes bright, face flushed. I wonder if I look different. I wonder if it’s easy to tell that for the first time in my life, I feel safe, in my body, in my mind, in my soul.
CHAPTER 27
Killian
Why couldn’tI find someone in more than three years in all of New York?
Because the woman I wanted was in California. And now, she’s finally right where she belongs.
Beside me, in my bed.
CHAPTER 28
Caroline
The last timeI was at Blackwood, Pierce & Caldwell, I don’t remember it being this tall. The building in Midtown houses a lot of businesses and Blackwood, Pierce & Caldwell takes up three floors.
I have to wait by the security desk while they call up and confirm that I’m supposed to be here. Riding on the subway by myself was quite the experience. We trundled into the city at a snail’s pace and I’m pleased to say that spending time with Killian, Eve, and Lilith around the city has made me confident enough to not feel like a complete tourist.
I turn around to watch the people milling in the lobby, passing the security panels by the elevator bank. There’s a rush of people hurrying to their desks, and I’m soon going to be one of them.
There’s a thrill of excitement fizzing in my blood. I still can’t believe I get to do something I love. That I have the opportunity to start over. Gerry was thrilled for me when I called her yesterday.
“Darling, I’m so proud of you,” she said, when I told her. “You’re finally living the life that’s destined for you.”
I laughed at that. “I’m not sure about destiny, but I’m definitely living the best life I can.”
I was sitting in the studio, watching Killian paint while I reviewed the case files Aiden had sent me. Bright sunlight from the windows spilled over his shirtless form making his skin shine like gold.
“Miss?” I come out of my daydream, looking at the guard. From his expression, he’s probably called me more than once and I was too lost in thoughts of Killian.
“Yes?”
“You can go up.”
“Thank you.”
Sliding my purse higher on my arm, I walk to the elevator bank. I press the button just as one’s closing and it slides open again. There’s only one person inside and she seems to be going to the same floor.
She’s about my height, dressed in all black, her thick dark hair flowing down her back like a curtain. Her expression is flat as she looks me over, but I’ve learned a thing or two from being around the city and I’m also dressed in black.
