This is serious, now.
I kiss her lips, taking them between my own. They taste like that night, eight years ago, mixed with wine and steak. Her resistance crashes against my desire, exploding inside my chest and ricocheting into her own.
One kiss, which tastes like years of distance and longing. It tastes of mistakes, of sadness, of everything we never were. But it also tastes like what could be; of promises I could make, and the life I could give to her.
One kiss that tastes likeus.
Casey parts her lips, and I slide my tongue inside, making the most of this moment: of her body surrendering to mine, of the madness of our senses.
I take her breath, her reasoning; I steal her away from her reality and land her directly into mine, because it’s the only place she should be. I need to make her understand what it means to want something for eight years, and not be able to have it.
My kiss tells her everything she needs to hear.
I explore every corner of her mouth, imprinting myself into her. That way, every second that we’re apart, she’ll be reminded of what it means to feel Nick O’Connor, and everything he can give.
I want to leave Nick O’Connor inside her, so that she never forgets him.
I pull away slowly, opening my eyes to meet hers. They’re lit by the same flame that burns through my whole body. I take her bottom lip between my teeth, nibbling gently at it before letting it go, as she sighs, full of hope and longing. My hand slides round from her neck and strokes her face; I lightly trace my thumb along her reddened lips, as she gazes up at me, confused by what just happened, by her own emotions.
I know what you’re feeling, Casey.And I’m here to give it to you.
I take a few steps back, leaving her pressed against the wall. I turn and flag down one of the taxis parked up in the road. I take her hand and lead her over to the window, opening the door and helping her inside. She follows me, in total stupor.
I lean down next to her, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, before whispering:
“Think of this the next time your surgeon tries to kiss you.”
Casey’s head flicks sharply upwards; and, from her expression, I realise she’s about to tell me where to fuck off. Maybe I deserve it. But I’m not going anywhere.
I close the door and nod to the driver to head off.
This game only has one outcome.
And only one winner.
29
Casey
“Martin Kane! I swear, I’m going to kill you with my bare hands and no one in this hospital will try to resuscitate you!” I storm furiously into the hospital staff room, and everyone turns to look at me.
Martin stands his ground. His face tells me that he knows he’s done something he shouldn’t, but also that he’s happy with how his plan turned out.
He crosses the room to approach me, smiling sheepishly, before grabbing my arm and leading me outside. We head towards the emergency exit and step outside onto the stairwell.
“Now you can scream as much as you like,” he says, sitting down on one of the metal steps.
“Don’t you want a few witnesses?”
“I want to avoid you looking like a crazy lady. You still need this job.”
“Wow, that’s so thoughtful of you… I could’ve used some of that thoughtfulness yesterday when you decided to get involved with that ridiculous O’Connor scheme. What was it: did you want to be part of the old gang?”
“I did it for you.”
I glare at him.
“Besides, I wasn’t involved with thewholething. I just worked my magic on Luke’s assistant, who – as you know – also makes all his restaurant bookings for him.”
