The Man Who Has No Heart (Soulless 2)

Fuck, I had it bad.

He continued to hug me, continued to hold me like this was normal…when it wasn’t.

I’d never wanted a man more in my life.

I hadn’t thought I could ever trust anyone again, especially not so soon, but I was ready to give myself all over again, give everything, every little piece of me…and let him hold it.

He whispered to me. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me…”

My breath came out shaky, my heartbeat erratic. Could he feel how frantic my heartbeat was? Could he feel my uneven breaths? Could he feel how hot I was…everywhere?

His arms slowly slid from my body, pulling away from the warmest and strongest embrace I’d ever had.

No.

He dropped his affection and moved back slightly, his eyes returning to my face.

I could only imagine how my face looked, my cheeks red, my eyes a little wet, my lips parted because I was desperate for a kiss. I knew Deacon never extended affection to anyone except family, and I’d somehow made it into his inner circle. I could feel the way he felt about me, the way he felt this chemistry too. But he didn’t act on it, didn’t take my face in his palms and kiss me the way I desperately wanted.

Tucker told me to be patient. Told me to wait.

Now I knew I would wait forever for this man.

Derek wore a backpack with the universe printed on it, and his luggage was in the same superhero theme as last time. He was ready to go, and when he saw me, his eyes lit up the way they did for his father. “Cleo!”

“Hey, Derek.” I kneeled and watched him run into my arms.

He nearly knocked me over with his sprint, and I laughed as I held on to him. “I forgot how strong you are.”

“Mom makes me eat my spinach.” He stepped back, looking like his father, just a much more innocent version.

“I can tell.” I squeezed his tiny bicep. “You’re going to be strong like your dad someday.”

He flexed both arms. “And I’m going to be smart like him too.”

“I think you already are.” I smiled before I got to my feet.

Valerie wasn’t as kind as she had been last time. She sized me up, looking at me as an opponent rather than a neutral acquaintance.

I pretended not to notice. “How are you, Valerie?” I extended my hand to shake hers.

She took it but didn’t say a word back.

The driver came and collected the luggage to put in the trunk. Derek followed him, sharing facts about space.

When her son was out of earshot, she spoke her mind. “It’s very unprofessional to go after your boss, Cleo. Deacon has higher standards than to be interested in his—” she looked me up and down “—his servant.”

How the fuck was Deacon ever married to this evil witch? She actually spoke to people like that? How did someone so adorable come from someone so mean? “Valerie, I’m not sure where this hostility is coming from, but I’ve been dating Deacon’s brother, Tucker.” I’d broken it off because, subconsciously, if things ever got serious and complicated, I would have no chance with Deacon sometime in the future. But she didn’t need to know that. Most of it was true.

Her hostility immediately died away, and she actually had the grace to look embarrassed. “Ooh…I didn’t know that.”

“We’ve been seeing each other for two months now. Deacon kinda set us up.”

Relief flooded her eyes. “Well, that’s a surprise.”

She wasn’t going to apologize to me?

Now, she smiled. “Text me when you get there.”

This woman was manipulative and controlling, having no boundaries or respect for anything except her own self-interests. It was hard to look at her and not hate her, not want to punch her right in her own home. “I will.” I turned away, dropping my smile the second she couldn’t see my face.

“Hurry up!” Derek stomped his foot. “Dad is waiting.”

I texted Deacon when we were five minutes away.

Derek was snuggled into my side, his head on my shoulder as he slept on the drive.

We’ll be there in five minutes.

Thanks, Cleo. How’s my little man?

I took a selfie, trying not to move and wake him up. I sent it.

Derek really likes you.

I have a feeling he likes everyone.

No. He’s picky like me.

The car pulled up to the curb, and we got out.

Derek opened his eyes slowly, and when he recognized the building, he got excited again. “Yes!”

I grabbed his luggage and his backpack and took him into the elevator.

“What are we doing tomorrow?” He looked up at me.

I shrugged. “It’s a surprise.”

“Oh, come on, Cleo. I know you know everything.”

I smiled. “I do know everything…but I want your father to tell you.”

“You won’t even give me a hint?”

I shook my head.

The doors opened, and we walked down the hallway.