Page 29 of Devil’s Torture

“Has there been anyone else?”

His question hangs between us and my lips part, but the answer gets lodged in my throat. Not because I think he’ll be upset with the truth. I’m just not sure if it makes me pathetic or not.

Honestly, dating was the last thing on my mind. The only thing that mattered was Dawn and making sure she’s safe, happy, and thriving. It took up all my energy most of the time and I simply didn’t have any more to spend on anyone else.

Lies.

Fine. I knew I could never love anyone other than him. I didn’t even try.

I didn’t want to.

Even though I was hurt.

Even though I was angry.

Even though I felt abandoned.

Before I can figure out if I should tell him the truth or stay silent, he lowers his head. The moment his lips brush against mine, some of my resolve cracks into pieces.

His lips are exactly like I remember them, even if the man isn’t.

My breath hitches and then he’s prying my lips open. There’s something so familiar in the kiss that when he deepens it, I go right along with him. I kiss him back, my body reacting to him like it always did back then. Like it was always meant to.

The hurt disappears.

The angry fizzles out.

The feeling of being found, tethered, feels like a net.

Our kiss turns hungry in a way that’s dangerous. Only then does he pull back enough to tip his forehead down against mine.

“That kiss is answer enough,” he murmurs against my lips. His breath warms my face, and I have to force my fingers to let go of his shirt.

I make a humming sound because I’m not going to deny it.

“Text me the details for the party. I’m around. If there’s a time when it’ll be good for me to come over and spend time with my girls, let me know.”

“Your girls?” I rasp the question, my breathing still a little labored from the kiss.

“Yeah,” he holds my gaze. Steady. Sure. “My girls.”

My throat goes dry and I’m the one who looks away first.

“I don’t want to take over your life,” his voice gentles, “but I want to be a part of your lives.”

“I’ll text you,” I promise.

He nods and kisses my forehead before yelling down the hallway to say goodbye to Dawn and slipping out the front door. If I stand there for too long and touch my lips with a smile on my face, no one is there to notice and call me out on it.

Which is a good thing.

I’m not sure what is going to happen next, but I know kissing Rune felt like coming home.

CHAPTER 8

RUNE

It’s been a few days since I told Bexley about why I left ten years ago and I’ve been giving her space. I’m not sure how much longer I can stay away from them. I miss them.