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“Bobbi found us before the worst happened. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he realized what he had stopped. He wanted to kill Lawrence, and I think he would have if I hadn’t downplayed the situation. I didn’t even care about my career at that point. I just didn’t want my best friend to ruin his life to avenge me.”

“You told him what truly happened later, didn’t you?” I ask.

She nods. “Yes, I couldn’t keep it from him. Besides, deep down, he knew it was bad.”

“Did you ever work with that scumbag after that?”

“No. But I’d see him at parties, and I had to pretend everything was fine. He acted as if nothing had happened. I always felt sick afterward. I’m not sure why tonight I couldn’t pretend his presence didn’t affect me.”

I pull her to me again and kiss the side of her head. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. So fucking sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize for something that had nothing to do with you.”

“I know. I’m apologizing for only punching that motherfucker in the face once. If I had known…”

“You wouldn’t have done more than what you did because it would send me to jail.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t. But if I was in my body, I wouldn’t have stopped. And if I went to prison because of that, it’d be worth it.”

She pulls back and looks me in the eye. “You don’t mean that.”

I caress her face. “Oh, I mean it, Leigh. Wholeheartedly.”

The car stops, and I realize we’ve arrived at her place. She gets out of the car first but waits for me to join her outside, then laces her fingers with mine. Tingles spread up my arm, and they keep going until my entire body feels electric.

Once we’re inside, I don’t know who moves first. But I’m suddenly in her arms—no, scratch that, she’s suddenly in my arms. I’m myself again, and I’m going to make it last for as long as I can.

34 LEIGH

Ifeel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Keanu is the second person I’ve talked to about the darkest moment of my life, but he’s the first one who I was ready to tell. Not that I don’t trust Bobbi, but the circumstances were different. He caught the act, and at the time, it felt like I had no choice but to confess everything.

There’s a swell of emotions swirling in my chest now. I’m relieved, and sad, but also happy like I’ve never been before. It’s the strangest thing. This whole time, I thought the curse was a punishment, and the second worst thing that had ever happened to me. But I don’t feel that way anymore, and the reason is the man currently turning me into molten honey thanks to his addictive kisses and fiery touches.

We don’t make it to the bedroom this time. The couch will do. Our clothes are scattered around the room, and I don’t even remember taking them off. I fall back on the couch, opening my legs to accommodate Keanu’s body. I’m burning for him, but then I remember one pesky detail and tense.

“Condom,” he guesses.

“Yes, but also…” I trail off, and the way my face is burning, I can tell I’m blushing.

“Oh… that. You’re in the clear. Your period didn’t last long.”

“Thank God.” I pull him to me, kissing him hard.

It’s not like there’s anything wrong with having sex during my period, but it’s best if I don’t have to worry about a bloody mess.

Keanu’s tongue is velvety and intense, and completely in sync with mine. He explores my mouth as if he’s savoring the most delicious morsel. But I notice he’s holding himself up, keeping his body off mine so he doesn’t crush me. Despite the lust turning my thoughts into fluff, I remember he shouldn’t put strain on his upper body.

“Key…”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Condom.” He gets up and rushes up the stairs.

I really need to keep condoms in the living room.

He returns as fast as a bullet, and I jump off the couch before he rejoins me.

“Where are you going?”

“You lie down. I’m riding you tonight, cowboy.”