Page 84 of Shattered Veil
Forme.
“How do you feel about that?” he asks. “That I want to get past my hang-ups.”
Not wanting to seem too eager, I play it cool. “I think progress that leads to healthy relationships is a good one.”
He barks a laugh. “That is the most benign bullshit safe answer I’ve ever heard.”
“I’m not sure which adjective there I should argue. After this week—”
He jerks me closer, cutting me off. “I’m sorry about the other morning.”
I bite my lip. “Which part?”
He huffs. “All of it. I shouldn’t have gotten so damn inappropriate with you.”
“Inappropriate? You crossed inappropriate by putting on a show for me in your shower.”
“The blood in my veins was roaring through my ears that morning. I didn’t catch or didn’t process anything you said,” he gets low and gravelly. “Did you like what you saw?”
“Yes,” I say on a breathy moan.
“And what I did? All of it?” His smile implies the cum facial he gave me.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Fuck.” He lowers his head. “Ella...”
“I think we need to be honest about this working situation. You don’t need me, but I am needed at the Fredricks school. Even if I’m just an aide right now. This position will allow me to apply next year to get my old job back.”
I don’t need his permission to take the aide’s position. But my father arranged for Balor to hire me. I’m trying to be mature and respectful about my responsibility.
“What are the hours?”
Excitement pulses through me. “Nine to twelve, Monday through Thursday. And they’re closed for all major holidays.”
“What about transportation?”
“I used to take the subway there.”
“That’s not happening.” Balor shakes his head. “Howabout we do our thing in the morning becausethat partI do need. You’re making a difference, getting my ass in gear every morning. It’s been a terrible week without you. After you finish with me, I’ll drop you off at the school and my new driver—”
“New driver?” I glance around to locate Trace, who I saw earlier.
“Trace is my sister’s bodyguard now. I have a new driver, Denton. One of my brother Kieran’s guards.”
“Oh.” It hits me that no matter what, his brothers want Balor protected. And Balor wants me protected.
“I’ll have Denton pick you up at noon and bring you back to the office to catch up with me.”
Excitement hums under my skin. I want to hug him. I want to kiss him. I want to fuck him.
Balor’s lips part to say more but they slam shut. My heart aches when he puts some distance between us, but he doesn’t let me go completely.
“Snow,” he says over my shoulder.
I shudder that my father might have been watching me. “Dad?”
“What happened to Geoff?” He turns to find his so-called friend.