Page 167 of Forgotten Prejudice

“So break up with him.”

As always, Soren’s line of thinking was short and precise, only that it wasn’t that simple.

“It’s more complicated than that.”

If I ended things with Kai, who knew what would happen? One big fight was enough to make him buy a bottle of liquor, so I didn’t dare think what his reaction might be if I were to break up with him. But it wasn’t just guilt that made me reject the idea of splitting with him. Despite everything, I cared for him. Deeply. One might say I even loved him, although I wasn’t entirely sure about that. Maybe it was just comfort? Or familiarity? Or maybe it wasn’t, and this whole thing with Soren was the result of those hard months of the case coming to an end. Maybe this was nothing but my need for comfort after a rough day.

But you rejected Kai when he offered it.

“You do what feels right to you,” Soren said, breaking into my thoughts.

Looking at him, I chewed on my lip, utterly confused because I had no idea what felt right. Erase that. I knew what felt right; I just didn’t know what was right. When he fucked me just now, it felt incredible, but the aftermath left me wondering, as always… When it came to Soren, it was always the same question: How can something that feels so right be wrong?

Just then, I heard the guys’ voices coming from outside, and I quickly jumped to my feet. I doubted I had ever gotten dressed this fast, but in less than a minute, I was decent.

“Your T-shirt is a mess.” A low chuckle erupted from Soren as he stopped me before I could get out.

“Oh, thanks,” I muttered awkwardly, then took my T-shirt off and grabbed the spare one I had in the shop. Thank God for that. Once I was ready to leave, I met his eyes again and nodded like an idiot. Why was I acting this awkward? Ten minutes ago, I’d practically attacked him with my lips.

Fuck, I missed this dick.

My eyes widened as I recalled my words, and I rubbed my face with a deep grunt. Did I actually say that?

“What’s the matter?” Soren asked from behind me.

Too embarrassed to tell him I was just reflecting back on what a hoe I apparently still was, I shook my head. “N-Nothing. Let’s just get out of here before the boys notice something.”

As we quietly left the shop, I scanned the area to make sure we weren’t seen. Since the ground was clear, I signaled Soren to follow me out. After rounding the shack, I quickly spotted the guys gathered around Soren’s car.

“I told you, I didn’t lose it,” Jessie whispered. “It was in my closet, and now it’s not.”

Andrei grunted before Levi spoke. “You always lose things, Jessie.”

“Not wee—oh, hey Chief!” Jessie called in a high-pitched voice once he noticed us. “Is this yours?” he asked Soren while pointing at his Bugatti.

“It is,” Soren said casually, stepping closer at the same time Andrei moved toward me.

“Where were you?” he asked, eyes darting between me and Soren.

“I was just showing Soren around,” I muttered, hoping I didn’t look as thoroughly fucked as I felt. My God, this was so inappropriate.

“Can I take it for a ride?” Jessie asked, referring to Soren’s brand-new car.

“Jessie, you can’t just ask for—”

“Sure,” Soren said and tossed the keys to Jessie, who caught them.

“Wait, seriously?” I frowned at Soren, who seemed unfazed.

“Why not? If it will cheer him up.”

Once again, the change in him shocked me, and I looked at him, unable to hold back my smile. In fact, I was so distracted by how amazing he was that if it weren’t for Kai suddenly wrapping his arm around me, I would have probably done something stupid.

Again.

“When did you show up?” Kai asked Soren while Jessie reversed out of the parking lot.

“A while ago,” Soren answered, his eyes quickly darting to Kai’s arm before he looked up. “I came to drop off a few files when I learned Diesel wasn’t here.”