Page 51 of The Heart You Kept

“Between London and Monaco.”

We stare at each other and the pull I feel to him is otherworldly. Like a rope is tied between us, tightening harder with every word he says.

“It’s good to see you,” he whispers as he cups my face in his hand, he brushes his thumb over my bottom lip as I stare up at him. “It’s still there.”

I nod, not because I want to…but because there’s no denying the chemistry between us. “Yes.”

“I tried to find you,” he murmurs.

There’s an undercurrent of affection running between us. Wild and strong, unstoppable.

He bends and softly kisses me; our lips linger over each other’s as if this is the most natural thing in the world. The earth moves beneath me and just for a moment the planets align into perfect position. A total eclipse of my heart.

Pascal.

What the fuck are you doing?

“I….” I abruptly step back from him. I may be a lot of things, but I am not a cheater. “I’m with someone.”

“Him?” he asks incredulously.

I nod.

We stare at each other; our chests rise and fall as we struggle to breathe.

“And you’re with someone,” I remind him.

“I am.” He drags his hand through his hair as if only now remembering.

“This….” I put my hands over my eyes in disgust at our behavior. “This can’t happen again.”

“It can’t,” he agrees. “I just…. You’re hard not to touch.”

I nod, but I get the feeling that isn’t what he was going to say; he’s filtered his words.

“I have to get back; you stay here until I’m long gone,” I tell him as I rush off.

“When can I see you again?” he calls after me.

I turn back toward him. “I don’t even know your name.”

“Edward.” His eyes search mine. “Edward Prescott.”

My heart drops.

Oh no….

I’ve heard that name before, heard of the monster who my boyfriend despises with every ounce of his being. Never once could I have imagined who was behind it.

“We can’t….” I shake my head, overwhelmed with emotion. It’s the weirdest thing, it’s like my loyalty lies with him and not the man who I’m currently dating. Why do I feel so close to this stranger?

It was just sex.

Snap out of it.

“We are with other people, Edward; I can’t see you again.”

“Even though you want to?” His eyes search mine.