Category Archives: After The End

“Calm means a clear head.” He tapped his temple—with the nozzle of the gun—and she knew then all traces of her husband had left. “And I need a clear head right now, Xar.”

Ayesha drummed
Joel tapped.
He extended his pinky.
She hooked hers around it.
They pulled away.

“The main point is,” he squeezed her hand, “for the rest of the trip, I’m not taking any calls or checking any notifications. This,” he held up his wrist, “is an actual watch. My part in this whole process has been trying to reduce the amount of stress and tension in our lives, and I’ve been failing.”

On one hand, he didn’t want her to know he was essentially feeding his addiction by refusing to break the spider web that was his and Syd’s lingering non-relationship. On the other hand, he simply didn’t want Ayesha to know. If she knew he was still talking to Syd, then it would ruin…

He shook his head.

It wouldn’t ruin what didn’t exist.

He walked out of the bathroom, a white towel wrapped around his waist and so damn beautiful it wasn’t fair. She’d always known he would grow into this, ever since their high school days. She hadn’t pictured it with facial hair, black strands gracing his shoulders, abs that made her want to bow in worship, and more sex appeal than the earth had water.

When she realized Joel hadn’t commented on her hidden talent, she glanced over at him. He was watching her, the sapphire in his eyes exploding and a nearly invisible smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

“Jealous?” she teased.

His gaze lowered.