Page 57 of Tempting Devil

He released my hand, and a chill trickled down my spine from the loss of contact.

“The next time you speak to Liam, mention that a detective reached out and was asking questions about my death.”

“You want me to lie to him?”

He blew out a laugh. “Imogene, he’s lied to you every time he’s pretended to be upset about my death. If you doubt my story, Liam’s expression should erase it.”

I chewed on my lower lip, shaking my head as I considered his proposition. Then I spun on my heels, storming down the trail.

“You’ve really fucked with my head here,” I remarked bitterly when he caught up with me.

“That was never my intention. At least not since…”

I looked his way, slowing my pace. “Since when?”

“Since I saw your tattoo.” A sad smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. “You have no idea how hard it’s been not to trace that symbol whenever I’ve been lucky enough to watch you fall asleep beside me. When I saw that…” His voice wavered with emotion. “That’s when I knew.”

“Knew what?” I asked through the heaviness in my throat.

He slowed his steps, grabbing my hand and pulling me to a stop. “That you never stopped loving Samuel.”

“You know what unconditional means, don’t you?” I said with a quiver.

He nodded slowly. “Not based on any conditions or qualifications.”

“Absolute,” I added.

“Complete.” He adjusted his stance, moving closer toward me as I lost myself in his eyes. Samuel’s eyes.

“Unequivocal,” I exhaled.

“Pure.”

“I loved you unconditionally, Samuel,” I said through my tears, my words barely audible.

“Then I can only hope your unconditional love will help you understand why I’ve done what I have. Why I need to keep doing what I am. Until then…” Heleaned toward me and brushed a soft kiss against my forehead.

I closed my eyes, relishing in the warmth of his lips on my skin, breathing in his familiar scent.

“The ball is in your court, Imogene,” he whispered against me. “You can do with it what you think is best.”

With one last kiss to my forehead, he released me and turned to walk in the opposite direction.

Ever since learning he was Samuel this morning, I’d wanted the truth. Wanted to know how he could have deceived me like he did.

But the truth only left me more confused about this man who was both a stranger yet still owned a piece of my heart.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Imogene

I breathed in the cool ocean air as I made my way up the succulent-lined path and onto my front porch, pulling my suitcase behind me.

A few weeks ago, I welcomed the perfect climate here in California, if for no other reason than because it was symbolic of my fresh start.

Now it only served as a reminder this wasn’t the fresh start I thought it would be.

Instead, my past followed me here.