I'm falling in love with West Prescott.
The realization is terrifying. Profound. Inescapable. A sob escapes me, torn from somewhere deep inside, part pleasure, part panic, part something I can't name.
He feels it. He stills for a fraction of a second, buried deep within me, his eyes searching mine with fierce intensity.
Then he kisses me, hard, his mouth claiming mine as his own body convulses in release. He groans my name against my lips, a raw, guttural sound that vibrates through my very core. His body shudders as he spills himself inside me, holding me so tightly I feel his heartbeat hammering against my ribs.
We collapse together, tangled and breathless. He rolls to his side, pulling me with him, tucking me against his chest. His arms wrap around me, holding me close.
My head rests over his heart, the steady, strong beat a counterpoint to my own slowing pulse. His skin is damp, his breathing gradually evening out. He presses a kiss to the top of my head, his lips lingering.
His arms tighten around me. His voice is soft against my hair. "Sleep. I've got you."
The words settle over me like a blanket. Safe. Protected. Cherished.
And completely temporary.
"Promise?" I whisper.
"Promise."
He doesn’t let go even after my breathing evens out.
Like if he does, I would disappear.
I close my eyes, listening to his heartbeat. Memorizing it, just in case. The countdown ticks in my head.
Three days.
The deal ends. That was always the plan. Clean. Contained. Perfect.
Grace needs that money. The tuition is due. I take fifty thousand dollars and walk away.
But now...
Now I’m not sure I can pretend this was ever just a transaction.
I wasn't supposed to fall for him.
I wasn’t supposed to want more than borrowed time and borrowed affection.
Does he feels the same?
Maybe he'll ask me to stay. Maybe this becomes real.
Or maybe I walk away with fifty thousand dollars and a heart that won't quite fit back together.
I don't know.
But tonight, I don't have to decide.
Tonight, I let myself be his.
Chapter 11
Sorry, Not Sorry
January 29 | Day 6 Anguilla AM | T–2
