“What have you been up to, Royce? What’s been keeping you lately?”
Ishmael.
The hammering began as his name crossed my mind. I placed a hand on my chest to keep my heart from escaping. It beat against its cage fiercely, wanting out. Wanting more. Wantinghim.
“Work,” I admitted.
“You ever considered putting your briefcase down to enjoy the fruit of your labor?”
“Sounds torturous.”
A smile from Hakem had my lips curling upward as well.
“I, too, am addicted to the thrill. The rush. The multitasking. The risk. The uncertainty. It’s thrilling. Much like you.”
I closed my eyes.
Ishmael.
His name was like sugar on my tongue.
“Thank you.”
Hakem’s gaze was wavering. He rescued me from deep waters, bringing me back to safer grounds. Back to the moment.
“Tell me,” he paused, “Your profile has been active for months. I can’t help but wonder what it is you’re looking for in a partner.”
Ishmael.
I inhaled, closing my eyes again. Only briefly, as I tried shoving his name down my throat. He was everything I was in search of.
“Me.”
Gosh. I’m losing my mind.
I heard his voice so clearly. So closely. I forced my eyes open and tried pinning the smile Hakem was responsible for back onto my face. I failed.
I wasn’t losing my mind. And, Ishmael wasn’t in my head. He was standing before me with his hands gathered in front of him. His lips were rolled inward, tucked into his mouth. Veins sprouted from his hands. His nostrils were spread so wide I could see what he was thinking.
And feeling.
And neither were comforting.
Ishmael was dressed in black from his neck to his feet. He reeked of wealth and confidence. Lust oozed from his orbs.
But so did disappointment.
Anger.
Frustration.
And impatience.
His robe was short. His fuse was even shorter.
“Dismiss your guest, Royce.”
“Ishmael.” I chuckled, finding his presence rather comical.
