Only Tonight

I find her phone. She is so exhausted she doesn't wake when I use her thumb to unlock it. I find my name and unblock myself. Then I rename it to MINE before putting her phone back. I slowly dress, knowing I have to get going. I brush my mouth against hers one last time. Her eyes flutter open.

“You’re leaving.” It’s not a question.

“I’ll be back.”

“Okay,” she says right before she falls back asleep. I’m not sure she’ll even remember the conversation, but I leave a note next to her phone before I make myself finally leave her hotel. Each minute I’m away from her feels as though it’s a lifetime.

“If something happens to her—”

“I’m a dead man.” Rick smirks. “I’ve got it, boss.”

Rick is one of the best when it comes to being a bodyguard. He isn’t cheap, but he’s worth every fucking penny. Every day he gives me updates and a sense of security when it comes to Kinley. He goes as far as sending me pictures throughout the day too.

“Thank you.”

Rick raises his eyebrows as if he’s surprised by my words. “I’ll keep her safe.”

I turn to give the hotel one last look. I make myself get into the car to head back to the airport. I can still smell her on me.

I know my work has to end. I can’t keep playing this game, but we’re so close to the finish line, I remind myself. I’ve been working for Interpol on this case for too long to walk away before it’s finished. When I get on the private plane I close my eyes, needing to get some sleep.

I dream of her. Always of her.8KinleyI know he’s gone before I even open my eyes. I thought I’d dreamed of him kissing me, but it was reality. I sit up in bed, reading his note that pretty much says I belong to him. I roll my eyes. I should ball it up and throw it away, but I don’t. Instead I fold it and put it into my purse.

I yawn, knowing I need to get going. Today I have a meeting for Healing Hearts. I’m going to need a lot of coffee. That man owns my body. I have so many questions and things I want to say to him, but when he touches me all I can think about is the pleasure he’s going to give me. My mind is free in those moments when he takes control. I think he’s right. I do belong to him. Well, my body does at least.

Of course when I crawl out of bed I see a room service cart in the room. I go straight for the coffee before taking the lids off the food. Holy crap! It looks as though Luke ordered the whole freaking menu. For some reason it doesn't surprise me. What it does do is make me smile thinking about how he made sure I was taken care of. I sit down, enjoying my breakfast and coffee. While it’s sweet, it would be much better if he were here to share it with me.

He never really talks about his work. I think he mentioned something about exporting and importing. I have no idea what more it entails. It does make me wonder if this is how it would always be. Would we only get stolen nights because he doesn’t have the time to stay? I’m not so sure how well I could handle that. I’m already struggling with it.

I reluctantly take a shower, washing away the scent of Luke from my skin. He left small love bites on my breasts. Again that should bother me, but I smile and continue getting ready.

I make it to the meeting five minutes early. It doesn't take long to get everyone on board with our project. It doesn't hurt that we have the Cole name behind us. There are so many children who need homes and so many people who want children but can’t have them on their own. We strive to bring them together.

“That went well,” Chance says as we head out. He’s heading back to the States today.

“It did.” I can’t stop smiling and feeling proud of myself. I sent a text to my sister and Julie. Julie is the CEO of Healing Hearts. There are so many kids out there that we’re going to find homes for.

“See you in a few months.” Chance winks before he takes off. I stand there alone wishing I had someone to celebrate with. This was my plan, wasn't it? To find myself while I was here. To see some of the world while I was in Europe.

I head back to my hotel room, changing into something more comfortable. I am not going to allow myself to wallow. I’m in France. With no real plans, I decide to just walk. I find a little café, where I order a hot chocolate and some croissants. My phone dings. I smile at the name.