She gives me a smile that makes me want to forget all the doubt raging inside my head. But all I can think is, I need to get away from her. I need to be able to think clearly.
“I have to go,” I say brusquely.
She looks disappointed but she nods. “Okay.” Then, unexpectedly, she reaches up on her tip-toes and kisses my cheek.
She races away before I have time to react. I stand there for a long time, savoring the feeling of her lips on my skin. Not knowing if it’s a mark of hope—or a kiss of death.
*
Eventually, I wrench myself back to the present moment and head back into the house.
I need to talk to Matvei but I’m also equally weary of the inevitable conversation. I already know where he stands where Elyssa is concerned. Do I need to hear more of the same s**t?
Right on cue, my phone
