Blaze (Virtues & Lies 3)

“We wanted to get settled in,” Fleur croaks out softly.

I think we settled my mistake of the night I walked away from her at the hospital. I should’ve been better that night. For more reasons than us, but especially because of her.

Holding my hand over the back of hers, I trace her skin as lightly as I did that night, loving the feel of electricity crackling between us as a smile pulls at my lips. The scent of our romp lingers, and I can’t wait to have her all over again.

Chapter 47

FLEUR

The last few weeks we’ve tried to view most of the properties on the list Casper gave me for my birthday. It’s been oddly therapeutic, even with my worry churning in the background. Looking to the future, building on it, is everything I need.

The hairdresser tugs my long lengths with the fine comb, making me look up from my phone. My hair is so long that it’s getting a bit much to look after. I’m looking forward to going back to my shorter style.

“Are you sure you want to get rid of it all?”

“Cut it all off,” I tell the hairdresser.

A part of me is a tad sad to see it all go. I’m going to miss the feel of Casper’s hand wrapped in it. Of him pulling and tugging it when we fuck and make love.

I’m about to text him, when I get his message.

Big Man: I’m taking you out to dinner.

With everything going on in the background, the constant state of worry, I’ve struggled with my appetite. Sometimes the mere thought of food makes my stomach turn. Anxiety has always had this effect on me. But Casper’s beginning to get worried, especially now that I’m losing weight.

I don’t think he likes it. Actually, I know he doesn’t. And as silly as it sounds, I want to please him in every way.

Fleur: I’d like that.

Big Man: Good. How did the meeting go?

Leo’s mother, Ros, was understanding about my reservations in accepting her job offer. When I explained to her what I am looking to do with freelance curating, she was more than happy to adapt the terms of her offer. Something tells me that a lot of her understanding stems from my connections with Leo and Cassie. Maybe Lucian. They seem to be amicable.

Fleur: Good. Ros offered me the option to freelance.

Big Man: Are you happy?

Fleur: I was already happy. So, I’m happier.

Big Man: I’ll pick Grace up from Penny on the way home.

With my meeting at the National Gallery today, Penny volunteered to look after Grace. Mercia is on a business trip, otherwise she would’ve stepped in instead. Arabella is currently project managing the reopening of Heath House, the members’ club that hosted most of my father’s dealings. But we’d agreed to meet here so we could finish going through the home I grew up in.

Fleur: What would I do without you?

Big Man: Starve.

I’m about to text back a verbalised middle finger when he rings. I put my phone to my ear, and before I can say anything, he tells me, “I love you.”

There’s no chance to reply because he ends the call as swiftly as he made it.

Fleur: Did you just call to tell me that?

Big Man: Yup.

Fucking Stevie Wonder. I smile at the notion that he’s still thinking about our weird as hell discussion from last night. Apparently when you have babies, your taste in TV takes a dramatic hit.

We spent our evening cuddled on the sofa with Grace, watching a documentary on the greatest love songs of all time. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” was the number one. I couldn’t believe it, but Casper was all for it. He surprises me at every freaking turn.