She moaned against my lips as she came. I followed, coming harder than I ever had in my life. We collapsed together, slick with sweat and totally wrecked. At least, I was.

She’d given me everything, and I gave her the same.

And later, after we had our energy back, we went for a second time. And something inside me snapped when we did.

I think I even left my heart with her as we made love. Not that I had any use for it anyway.

When she drifted off to sleep in my arms, I told myself to leave.

It’s what she wants. My stomach twisted. An unbearable agony followed at the idea of going, but I forced myself to untangle our limbs, get out of bed, and dress.

Leaning down, I set my mouth to her ear and whispered my goodbye.

I pulled the comforter over her and stepped back, staring at her.

I had to report to Norfolk. I had to leave. It’s what she wants. But was this really it?

How was I supposed to spend the best few hours of my entire life with her and walk away without seeing if there was a chance for more between us?

Could a sinner like me have a shot with an angel like her?

Probably not.

But I searched for a pen anyway.

In the living room, near the glass doors leading to the pool, I grabbed the first thing I could find. A purple marker and a napkin would have to do.

I jotted down my number and message, hoping—praying—she’d call.

Tonight was incredible. And that’s putting it mildly. In case you change your mind and want to be more than strangers in the night, you have my number. I hope you call. - C

5. Constantine

Chapter 5

Constantine

Present Day

“What in the hell are you doing here?” Colin stared at me from the other side of his front door, his intense, angry eyes sharp on me.

My eyes, too. Yeah, they’re mine, right?

I propped my hand on the doorframe, attempting to keep it together. “Your mother said she’d be off work at seven.”

It was eight, so I’d assumed she’d be back already. Although it was Friday morning, not the Saturday she’d told me to come.

I’d barely managed to hold off showing up until now. I almost went to the hospital and confronted her last night. Drunk from her father’s bourbon, no less.

I could count on one hand the number of times I’d been that intoxicated. When I found out my sister had been murdered, for one. Then, on the night of her funeral. And after I’d helped take the life of the man we’d believed killed Bianca. Not to mention the fourth incident when we found out that guy was an evil murderer, just not Bianca’s. Last night made number five.