Until Arsen (Daniels Family 1)

“Oh. Maybe we could go to the mall? I’ve got a few things I need to get. We could kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.” She still won’t meet my gaze.

I do like the way her blush works through her entire body. I can see just a peek of it beneath her crop top and up her chest to her neck. I’d be remiss if I didn’t want to follow from the beginning to end.

“The mall? Yeah, we can do that.” I’ll do just about anything so long as she’s with me.

“Great.” She stands. “I’ll be right back, just need to…” She points to her shirt. Not that I’m complaining because I like seeing her in some skin-showing garments, but I’m not keen on anyone else seeing what’s mine. So, I wait.

Staring around her cozy apartment, I’m shocked at the 360° change it seems to have done from last night. It was clean and tidy. Now, it’s like an explosion went off, only it forgot to char everything in existence.

“Deep cleaning?” I ask Marina as she reenters the room.

“Huh?” She looks up from tying her hair back. “Oh. Well, yes and no.”

I wait for her to elaborate.

Nothing.

“Right.” I’ll drop it. It could be nothing, could be something. The detective in me says she’s distracted by her emotions, though. “Ready?”

She nods and precedes me through the door. Following behind, I lock the doorknob and pull it closed. Waiting as she locks the deadbolt, I guide her down the stairs. Scowling once again at how dimly lit the building is.

We’re both quiet as we exit and climb into my truck. This time it does feel awkward. It’s not the same natural silence as before. Can’t say I like it too much.

“How long are you leaving for?” I’m sure I’ve asked, but my mind is spinning from the loop she’s got me in.

“A week or two. I hadn’t really decided.”

Fucking silence.

Tightening my hands on the wheel, I fight not to take over. Demand she stays. Demand she be mine unequivically. I want things with her I don’t even fucking think she’s ready for. She’s young, maybe even too young for the likes of me. I just don’t give two shits about that, though.

I want this woman with every fiber of my being.

“What made you choose kindergarten?” I stare at her as I ask the question, and a flash of pain flits across her face so quickly I nearly miss it.

“I’ve always loved kids. Kindergarten is a great age to be a big influence on their education.” She smiles as she speaks of them.

“Do you have siblings?” Now seems as good a time as any to learn more about her life.

“I’m an only child. My parents had trouble conceiving.”

“Was growing up lonely?”

“Very.”

“You must want a whole brood of your own then, huh?” I smile thinking of her round with child. She frowns, making me wonder.

“Not anymore.” She sighs, turning her face to the window before I can read her.

Sensing the subject is off limits, I change it. “What are we shopping for today?”

“I need new luggage and summer clothes. Mom was saying Arkansas has been hotter than normal.” Great. The torture of seeing her try on clothes, imaging her nude behind curtains and not being able to do a fucking thing about it.

“Awesome.” My jaw clenches tighter than a bolt.

Chapter Six

Arsen