Page 79 of Paparazzi Perfect
I leaped off the bed and stopped in front of him, but he backed away as though stung. The room tilted around me, but I couldn’t drag my eyes away.
I love Karson.This isn’t how things are meant to go.
I drew in a slow breath, but my thoughts kept racing.
“Karson.” My voice shook. “What are you doing here? How did you even get in?” I stared in disbelief. “And what about your father? It’s dangerous for you to be here.”
“Shouldn’tyou be the one doing the explaining?” His palms faced upward. “I told you the door wasn’t shut properly… and I’m here because I wanted to tell you some good news.” Tension marred his face as he fixed me with an accusing stare.
Ugh!The damn door must not have closed properly when I kicked it. A sharp pain cut through my chest.Why did we do that stupid massage?
He stared at me in alarm, before breaking away and striding to the end of the tiny living room, then back again like a caged lion.
“Karson, this is notwhat it seems.” I paused, trying to gather my muddled thoughts. “I mean, obviously, it is…you saw, right? But also, it isn’t.” I shook my head. “Does that make sense?”
I swallowed hard, my throat tightening as I gave a pitiful smile. But even in my drunken state, my explanation sounded like a train wreck.
“What the hell, Ivy? No. It makeszerosense. Andyes, I saw you kissing.” As he glared at me, a bout of nausea hit. I leaned a hand against the wall to steady myself.
My eyes grew heavy. I held my breath for a beat, trying to settle the nausea. My mind drifted to how things should have gone down…
He would have cocooned me in his arms, and burning with raw desire, I’d meld into his chest. If only Miki hadn’t kissed me, he would have murmured something beautiful, like,Firefly, you don’t know how much I’ve missed you. Without you, it’s been impossible.
He’d have grazed his thumb slowly across my cheek. I’d have lost myself in the sensation of his touch, gazed into those loving eyes and whispered,It’s hard to breathe when you’re not near.
He’d pull me against his chest, murmuring,I couldn’t wait a second longer to see you, to touch—
“Ivy!” Karson said crossly. “Are you even listening?”
“Sorry, yes, what did you say?”
“I said I have some news,” he continued, his voice like ice. “I caught the soonest flight I could so I could share it with you in person.” He smiled bitterly. “But I see now that was a big mistake.”
“What news?” I asked, half afraid he wouldn’t tell me.
His jaw twitched. “I guess it doesn’t matter anymore.”.
“But for what it’s worth, I invested the money from the boat sale into one of Dyson’s ventures a while ago.” A frown creased his forehead as he raked his fingers through his disheveled hair. “It’s gone ballistic. Like, off the charts.”
“That’s incredible! I’m happy for you, Karson.” A bittersweet smile hung on my lips. “But that won’t stop your father’s relentless threats or loosen his hold on you.”
The ongoing nightmare with Karlos had taken a toll on me. Suddenly I was exhausted to my very core.
“He won’t be bothering you for much longer. I’m financially independent of my father now, Ivy.” A sad smile tugged at his mouth. “Like. Really.Fucking. Rich. We could’ve donewhateverwe wanted.” The last hint of spark in his eyes faded. “But you’re right. Money alone won’t stop his threats.”
He inched closer, placing the tip of his finger under my chin, tipping my face upward as his gaze pierced mine. “I have evidence that my father’s running a criminal operation. Soon he won’t be able to touch you, or me, anymore. I need you to know that, Ivy. And I’m sorry for all the hurt he caused you. He’s going to be finished.”
Could this be happening?
Is it really over? Am I free of Karlos?
My shoulders dropped in relief, and I slumped groggily against him.Mmm…notes of citrus, with a hint of sun and sea salt. As I stood there half-naked, he ran his fingers up my arm, stopping abruptly, then holding them closer to his face.
“Oil.” He winced, wiping them across his T-shirt. “All over you.” A shadow clouded his beautiful face.
His hands hung by his sides and he backed away.
The knot in my stomach ached and twisted.We could have been together again.But I’d ruined everything.
