PURPLE HEART - Soliders Of Fortune [BOOK TWO]

Chapter TWENTY TWO

Sunday 'Sunny' Santos

The late afternoon sun hangs low in the overcast sky by the time we arrive home, bathing the penthouse apartment in a dusky glow as we step through the front door, the air inside somehow feeling colder for it..

“I think I’d like to go to my room and take a shower..” I smile tiredly as the exhaustion of a sleepless night and the weight of a heavy day hit me hard.. I need to hide away, to wash the scent of sea brine from my hair and the taste of Max's sinful kiss from my lips.. “If that is okay with you?”

Max only nods his approval, maintaining his stonewall silence.. He hadn't said a single word the entire drive home and if he wasn't going to mention my temporary insanity and subsequent kiss, then I sure wasn't going to embarrass myself a second time by bringing it up.

But now, pierced by the invisible dagger of his silence, I just can't keep quiet any longer..

“Max?” Paused at the foot of the stairs and clutching anxiously at the bannister, I turn back to watch as he shrugs those mountainous shoulders out of his overcoat.. “I’m sorry if I crossed a line back at the docks.. I know I shouldn't have kissed you like that.. I wasn't thinking and–”

“You were upset..” He brushes it off with an easy excuse and my heart sinks.. “No harm, no foul..”

“I was upset, but–”

“It's been a trying ff-few days for you, Zayka..” He cuts me off sharply, his stammer retuning along with his frustration.. All the while denying me a glimpse at those sincere sapphires that might grant me some small comfort..

Why won't he look at me?

“Sí.. It has..” I snap my mouth shut taking the hint that he doesn't want to discuss the subject any further.. Or anything else, for that matter..

Climbing the stairs with the threat of tears prickling my vision, it isn't until I reach the door to my bedroom that I hear a soft, cooing voice coming from behind it.. “Who's a big baby? You are! Yes, you are!”

Pushing against the stained oak, I enter the bedroom find the ice-princess herself on her knees, doting on a very pleased Paco.. His floppy jowls are cupped in her hands and his wet nose nuzzled into her neck as she kisses the top of his head..

“Verity?” I chortle, stunned to see her show so much affection to the animal she'd made clear she held no regard for..

As if caught red handed a terrible act, Verity shoots to her feet, whirling around on me with a defensive scowl.. “Jesus Christ, don't you fucking knock?” She snaps indignantly, glaring at me for intruding.

Oblivious to the tension, Paco pants as he trots across the hardwood floor, happy as ever to see me, with his big pink tongue dangling merrily from the side of his mouth.. “This is my room..” I squint at her, crouching down to scratch Paco's belly where he has flopped at my feet.. “And were you just talking to my dog?”