Chapter 199

Cecilia's pov I barely made it to work the next morning. My body ached in places I didn't know could ache, and I had the grace of a baby deer learning to walk on ice. Who knew so much pleasure could leave you worn out by a night of relentless passion? Even my emergency concealer couldn't hide the faint mark on my collarbone. I dabbed at it while silently cursing whoever invented white office blouses. By the time I reached my desk, I needed caffeine, a chiropractor, and possibly an alibi. Just after noon, determined to avoid a repeat of yesterday's soap-opera-worthy ambush, I stationed myself in the company lobby. Better to intercept the drama at the door than let it ride the elevator up. Consequently, employees returning from lunch or coming in from outside were treated to an unexpected spectacle--me and Amara, walking out together, smiling and chatting like sorority sisters reunited at alumni weekend. We looked so cordial, we were practically one step away from linking arms and declar