Perfect Target

Chapter 10 - No Good

And babe I’m fist-fighting with fire
Just to get close to you
Can we burn something babe
And I run for miles just to get a taste
Must be love on the brain
That’s got me feeling this way

—“Love On The Brain, Rihanna”

CHAPTER TEN

I covered my yawn with the back of my hand, lazily shifting on the bed. I blinked several times, trying to make sense of my surroundings. I tried to stretch my arms, but found them caged by strong hands wrapped around my body. I sighed, feeling warm and cozy from the touch, wanting to bury myself deeper into it. I pulled back my head to look at the person beside me, my smile quickly disappearing. Shit.

The events from last night came flooding back to me, erasing the comfort I had felt just moments ago. I couldn't believe myself. My eyes moved to Evan who was still sound asleep beside me. My stomach did a little somersault at the sight. His hair was ruffled and his soft, plump lips were slightly parted. Combine that with his long lashes, his slender nose and the thick stubble on his jaw, he looked like a whole-ass GQ model.

I had the urge to stay in his arms a bit longer and just stare at him, but I quickly pushed it away. I carefully untangled myself from his bulky body, trying my best not to wake him up.

It wasn't like I hadn't woken up beside a man before. I wasn't a virgin either. Besides, I didn't even have sex with Evan. Just shared a bed with him. That was it. So why the hell was I freaking out so much? I was twenty three, goddammit, but he made me feel like a hormonal teenager.

I practically ran to the bathroom once I was successfully out of the bed. I placed my hand over my hammering heart, trying to lay out a plan for what I should to do next.

Go back and cuddle with him, what else?

A part of me meant that sarcastically while another was dead serious. I didn't know which one to listen to. Or which one was stronger.

"Arghhh!" I pulled my hair in frustration. If I hadn't already, I was surely going crazy now.  I hated how he made me feel so conflicted all the time. Last night, I let him see me at my most vulnerable. Again. And he took care of me. Again.

The happier that should've made me, the sadder it did.

I hadn't taken my sleeping pills last night otherwise this wouldn't have happened. I didn't always need them, but they had helped me countless times before. I usually never forgot to take them. Ever since Evan Carter came into my life, I had been acting reckless. What happened last night was the final nail in the coffin. Perhaps the time spent with Evan had been perfect for Scarlett, but it didn't sit well with Flora at all.

I needed him to get closer to Scarlett, but stay the fuck away from Flora.

I turned towards the sink and splashed cold water on my face. I brushed my teeth, then tip toed to the wardrobe to grab my clothes. I took the quickest shower possible, did my makeup the fastest I had ever done, grabbed my bag and practically ran out of the room, leaving a sleeping Evan alone in my bed.

+++

"You look lost." I jumped at the voice, startled. I turned my head to look at the handsome man grinning at me.

"Sameer." I huffed. "You caught me off guard."

"Boss isn't here yet and the meeting is about to start soon. Don't you find that a bit surprising?"

The mischief was quite clear in his voice. Sameer was an extrovert and could easily strike a conversation with anyone he wanted. He was from the sales department so I hadn't interacted with him much, but every time we talked, he spoke to me like we were long lost friends. Actually, he spoke to everyone like that. If he wanted, maybe he could be a con artist too. He wasn't hard on the eyes either. His jet black hair, gorgeously tanned skin and dark brown eyes made me quite handsome.