Page 124

But for one timeless moment, I let myself believe that it could be.

He thrusts, thrusts, thrusts…

Until he releases inside me, spurring me into another climax.

We shatter together in each other’s arms, and again I let myself feel.

Whatever this is between us, I let myself feel.

Afterward, the room is too quiet.

Not empty quiet.

Full quiet.

The kind that comes after breathing hard and holding tight and saying more with hands and mouths than you can ever say with words.

I lie half beneath Nathaniel, my cheek against his chest, listening to the too-fast beat of his heart.

I should get up. Get dressed. Go about my work. Leave this room and remember exactly what it is.

Instead, I let myself have one more breath.

Just one.

For a few seconds, the world is almost beautiful.

Then Nathaniel goes still.

Completely still.

“What?” I ask.

He doesn’t answer.

His eyes are fixed beyond me.

Over my shoulder.

At the far corner of the room.

“Nathaniel?”

He lifts one hand slowly and points.

I turn.

At first, I don’t understand what I’m looking at.

The corner is shadowed, half-hidden by the line of the ceiling and the carved molding above an old wardrobe.

Then I see it.

A small black thing tucked near the ceiling.

A camera.

Pointed directly at the bed.