French Wanker - Victoria Pinder Page 0,5

spark, but Desiree wasn’t like her at all.

“Then we won’t see each other anymore, and I hope your new life is better.”

Friends with your exes’ family was easier than forgetting how I’d killed her. “Yours, too, Desiree. Take care of yourself. Let me finish getting the boxes ready for the moving company downstairs.”

She pressed her hand to her heart for a second and then took out the diamond and citrine ring from her pocket. “Of course. I wanted to give this back to you. Your grandmother will want this in your family.”

It had been passed down since the eleventh century in my family, though during the revolution, a few relatives waited it out in Britain until it was safe to reclaim our lands. “Thanks. To be honest, she’ll be relieved when I see her.”

If I ever got engaged again, the tradition would continue. If not, I would be the end of the La Trimouille line. At this point, I was okay with that.

“Then that’s everything. Au Revoir.”

Right. I grabbed my overnight bag, tossed a few more clothes in it, and zipped it up. As I finished with the closet and my belongings, my phone dinged. I picked it up and read the text. Quentin, it’s Calliope. We bought our tickets just now. We’re all excited about seeing you.

So, the reunion to remember my brother was official it seemed. I quickly typed, I understand you and Simon feel guilty about Blake, but my brother…

What could I say in a text? I’d killed him when I hadn’t left the life vest for him? I deleted the words and wrote instead, See you soon.

I had never been the boy my brother wanted to hang out with. I wasn’t exciting like Simon or as perky as Calliope. I finished with the boxes in a few hours, had lunch, and greeted the movers at the appointed time. I let the older gentleman and his son in and signed the release. Soon my stuff was to be delivered, and I would be free.

Desiree’s family needed time to collect Cecilia’s items from our Paris apartment. She’d almost been my wife, and I didn't want to rush her family in their grief. I didn’t need to live near a hospital anymore anyhow.

I left the keys on the table and told the mover who went for the book box, “Guess that’s everything. If there is any problem, call me.”

“Ouch.” The older man rubbed the muscles of his back.

I went over and quickly surmised it wasn’t serious as I asked, “Your back?”

“Oui,” he said and continued to rub it.

I hadn’t expected to ever give out advice again, but this wasn’t an official consult. I stood beside him and motioned as I said, “Remember to bend with your knees more. It doesn’t look serious but visit your primary if it continues. The pharmacy should have a muscle cream, and physical therapy always helps strengthen the muscles, especially the core.”

“Thanks, doc,” my mover said, and I cringed.

“No problem,” I said and walked out the door. Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. I shouldn’t have helped, because I was a horrible doctor.

I absolutely shouldn’t be wondering what that sweet American was doing right now.

It was better to just retire to my vineyards and forget about Paris.

Chapter 3

Kara

The small portion of pasta and the small piece of chicken I ate at lunch in a small bistro I happened upon energized me.

Until this meal, I hadn’t really understood how everyone in Paris kept their slim figures, but my stomach was full, but even now the Wanker’s kiss still lingered on my lips.

Seriously, I must be desperate for a simple kiss to cause me to forget my life mistakes… or the stranger had really kissed me more thoroughly than anyone else in my life.

Good thing I’d never see him again. How wanton would I turn if I allowed myself to fall further into him?

I knew who I was. A jilted bride on her honeymoon for one that continued solo, but at least I experienced more than that hot kiss that left me aching, long after it ended.

Only when I closed my eyes, I kept wishing to know what all those muscles underneath the black sweater might feel like against my own naked body.

The sexy stranger made me wonder if orgasms really ended in a little death or if that was just a rumor whispered by more satisfied women.

Marlon certainly hadn’t made me see stars in bed, not that I’d ever complained… until today. Until