It can’t be.
Slowly, I slide my gown off and step out of my heels.
I glance in the mirror again. The curtain of dark hair splits over my shoulders, waves tumbling down, touching my nipples. I tilt my head and comb my hair to the side.
With tenderness, I touch my skin.
I can see the imprint of his teeth. The lines are red and swollen and sensitive to the touch.
Lower, I find a reddish patch of skin. Those were his lips.
My gaze slides even lower.
A few red lines on my breasts bring back the memory of him again. Despite the signs and marks––his branding––my body celebrates his touch.
“Jaden...” I murmur, baffled.
How is that possible? How can he do that?
I feel so good inside, yet I am so conflicted.
How can he possibly bring her back?
He’s not good news. He never was. And yet, a good feeling grows in me. I’m no longer empty inside.
* * *
“Are you leaving early?”
Harper pops into my office as she says those words.
Her face beams with a smile.
“No... Why? What’s going on?” I ask, giving her a quick once-over.
The blue cobalt dress features a stylish bateau neckline and a silver metallic belt.
“Are you going on a date or something?”
She stays quiet.
“Are you ?” I toss at her again.
Her cheeks turn crimson.
I push back in my chair, grinning.
“No… Don’t tell me,” I murmur.
She gets busy with the vase on my desk, messing with the fresh tulips.
Her eyes come to me.
Smiling like a fox, she gives me a soft nod.
“It’s the second date,” she says.
“Harper?”