Page 69 of True Colors

Her expression flickers with uncertainty. “How?”

I leisurely brush my lips against hers, enjoying their softness, her capitulation. She parts her lips, lets my tongue in. It’s heady, her taste blended with Ruinart.

I raise my head after a long moment, reluctantly, wanting more.

“Now, that’s a proper thank you.”

She smiles almost cheekily. “I’m g-glad you told me. I’ll k-keep it in mind for next t-time.”

God, she’s adorable.

I take her home after the opera, even though I want to ask her to come to my place and spend the night with me.

I don’t because I have a feeling she isn’t ready.

She hums a melody from the opera under her breath as we drive home. Her voice fills the car like light.

“You sing beautifully.” I’m so smitten it’s almost pathetic.

She startles. “Oh. S-sorry, I didn’t⁠—”

“Don’t apologize.” My voice is low. “Please don’t.”

She smiles bashfully and keeps humming until we pull up to her building.

I walk her to her door.

“Thank you for tonight.” She clasps her hands together nervously. “It was…m-magical.”

“Anouk?”

She looks up.

I don’t think. I just lower my head and kiss her.

I take my time. It’s not urgent, but it’s hungry. Needy.

Her lips are the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted.

She leans into me, hands curling lightly on my jacket, and it feels like the whole city exhales around us.

When we break apart, her eyes are shining, her lips are wet.

I brush a hand along her cheek. “Goodnight, my starling.”

“G-goodnight, Luther.”

I watch her go inside, dress swaying softly, and I know that I’m falling in love, which I’ve never done before.

CHAPTER 15

Anouk

By Monday morning, the glow from the opera is still in me—soft, warm, impossible to hide.

“What’s going on with you?” Mila asks, studying my face.

“Wh-what do you mean?”