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stopped midway to her lips. It can't be. She wouldn't have the
audacity. Renee sat the glass down and moved toward the
unbelievable sight. As she got closer, her senses tingled with
awareness. I have been wrong before. She had to be sure.
Renee took in the jean-clad form, and her insides clenched
almost violently when the woman turned to look at her.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to feel me."
Renee wanted to kiss her and mar the pretty face at the
same time."You closed yourself to me remember? It is not
always easy." Renee spat the words out as if they tasted bad.
"It was, earlier today."
Their eyes met and a wealth of emotion passed between
them, ending in bitterness.
- 89 -
Renee sat down beside her former lover, but angled her
body as far away as possible. As if by magic, another drink
appeared."Why are you here, Tasha?" This time her voice was
flat and void of inflection. "Am I not raw enough?"
"I did not come to hurt you."
Renee chuckled. "But you do, just by existing away from
me. Can you understand that?"
"Actually, I do... now."
"Ah, so my moment of weakness gave you an epiphany?"
"Of sorts. I just wanted to talk to you."
Renee gulped her drink, needing to feel the heat burn
through the sudden numbness. "So talk, and then leave."
Renee watched as Natasha bowed her head and looked
away. She saw the sudden flash of pain in Natasha's eyes, and
she quivered in satisfaction.
"You can't stand to be near me, can you?" Natasha asked.
"Not tonight, but there are times when I crave you like
humans need air." Renee's gaze was intense, honest.
Renee did not miss the small gasp that escaped Natasha's
lips at her words. It gave her a different type of satisfaction,
knowing that she could still shake her former lover to the core.
"I hurt you," Natasha whispered.
Renee peered at Natasha. It was the understatement of the
millennia, and she knew the incredulity was showing in her
expression. "Hurt isn't a strong enough word."
"I stand corrected. I devastated you. I realize that more
than ever now, but you have to get past it. I'm broken, just like
you are, and I do not engage in the atrocities that you do."
An auburn brow rose in condescension. "If you were living
on rats, you would have been at death's door long ago. You
look very healthy to me."
"No, I've learned better. Criminals and society's discarded
have eased  "
- 90 -
Renee's laugh was throaty and full. "You sit here and
pretend as if you have some higher moral standing than I do. A
kill is a kill, Tasha." Renee drained the remaining wine from
her glass. "There is a reason for my so-called lunacy. I do what
I need to do." Renee grasped the refilled glass and stood. "Our
talk is over. Please... leave. If you care at all.... Leave." Her
voice broke.
As she glanced away, Renee noticed Charlotte walking in
their direction. She shook her head, knowing that it was signal
enough to stop her assistant's progress.
Natasha sighed. "Renee... wait! I am not here to judge. I
just want to..." Natasha reached out. Her fingers brushed
against Renee's bare arm.
The moment was heavy with electricity.
Renee was flooded with heat. She stood stock-still in her
effort to recover. After a few seconds, she spoke. Her words
were measured and succinct. "No one touches me without
permission. You lost that privilege long ago."
Natasha bristled. Her eyes turned blood red. "Please! You
give yourself so freely, what does it matter what I do to you?"
"I give nothing! Do you not know me at all? No one has
touched me that way since you!"
Confusion wrinkled Natasha's forehead as she backed
away. "Then why  "
Renee knew she had revealed too much. Feeling
vulnerable, she lashed out. "Leave, Tasha, or I will make you
regret it!"
"No, not until you listen to me."
Ignoring Natasha, Renee stood and made her way back
toward the dance floor. Her emotions were divided at the
moment. Part of her wanted to be near, but part of her was
utterly repelled by Natasha's presence. She needed to cleanse
her palate, and knew of only one effective way to do so.
- 91 -
Renee grabbed the closest woman to her, who came
willingly. Sometimes they were extremely easy. It was a good
thing; Renee was not up to the chase tonight. As the club
patrons danced around them, Renee wrapped herself around the [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]