But of course that was all false, because the moment I realized there was blood leaking through his shirt I glared at him and he confessed everything. “It’s just a cut along my side,” he said nonchalantly. “It’s not pretty but it’ll be healed by morning.”“It would heal by morning,” I hissed, “if it
And that’s how I ended up horizontal with Elroy for the second time—though this time was much less…enthusiastic. We laid together above the covers, fully clothed, as I let Elroy rest his hand gingerly just above my waistband. Right over our baby.Elroy’s hand was large, warm, and heavy, and it was s
“So?” he purred. “Do you want my help, or…?”The idea of him not touching me made me immediately and irrationally angry, like I was denied a prize I’d rightfully earned, and my decision was made in that instant.“If you don’t fuck me within the next five seconds—” I growled over my shoulder. Elroy
Through Elroy’s EyesMy mother lived in the southern tower. I made my visits here as frequently as I could to help ease her seclusion, but this was the first time in a while I’d had actual news to share.I was internally giddy to inform her she was going to be a grandmother, but I hadn’t actually as
Mom took Olivia’s hand in hers, releasing calming hormones. “Dormancy is rare,” she said kindly, “and traditional medicine is much younger than herbal practice. I’m not surprised they didn’t have the knowledge to help you.”Olivia looked up from her lap, chewing her lip nervously. “But do you?” she
Through Olivia’s EyesElroy wasn’t healing.Every time I saw him he was wan and pale, as if his energy had been sapped. To say I was worried was an understatement! It was like he’d been through some terrible ordeal—and that was coming from the woman who was currently ripping her soul open to wake up
“It hasn’t even been three weeks,” I rolled my eyes. I didn’t stop him, though—it felt nice, a little like a sensual massage. I sighed into it. “So that’s a no,” Elroy deduced with a grin. I just puffed air at his face. “Should I stop?”“No,” I pouted. Elroy chuckled and brought his other hand ove
Eclipse had a high counsel, and as I stood in front of them with Elroy they were all trying to yell over each other. I probably should have felt more dread, but after almost an hour of this stupid back and forth I was mostly just annoyed.Granted, my lack of anxiety was mostly because Elroy clearly
Elroy’s POV I wanted to punch a hole in the wall. This was impossible, obviously, given the walls were thick stone, but the intention remained! "Damn it!" I growled, pacing inside my mom’s rooms. I resisted the urge to snarl. I didn’t want to upset Mom. "That so-called 'emergency' was nothing
Iris's cool fingers pressed against my skin, her touch gentle yet probing. I held my breath, waiting for her verdict. I knew everything was fine, but for some reason this was still nerve-wracking. "Well, Olivia," Iris said, her voice soft and melodic, "I'm pleased to say you're in perfect health."
I was allowed to go back to the manor after a blood pressure check, but Elroy was adamant that I rest for the remainder of the day. I gave up a token protest, not wanting to be taken from the investigation, but to my surprise even Astor backed up his brother. "I'll look into Midnight Echoes," the
Mrs. Davis wiped her eyes and reached for her phone with shaky hands. "I should call Tommy," she murmured. "He'll want to be here." I nodded: Thomas Davis was Sarah’s older brother, Mrs. Davis’s only available relative, and handing over this situation to someone else to handle sounded really, real
The summer breeze caressed my skin as I stepped out of the car, a welcome respite from the oppressive heat that had plagued the city for weeks. I felt so much better today, and I hated that it was probably because of Elroy’s visit. The baby's energy wasn’t draining me the same way, and I could focus
Astor's steely eyes bore into mine, challenging, daring me to look away. But I held his gaze, my jaw clenched and shoulders squared. The air crackled with tension as we faced off in silent combat. Seconds stretched into an eternity. My heart pounded, but I refused to show weakness. Finally, Astor'
I squinted at the files in front of me, the lightning outside casting dancing shadows across the room. The musty scent of old books filled my nose as I hunched over the heavy oak table, surrounded by stacks of records and case files. "I thought investigating crimes would finally get me out of this
My body was tired enough to demand sleep, though, so at least I wasn’t laying awake all night. Still, I woke up early and extricated myself from Elroy's embrace. I couldn’t stand the mess anymore, and what the shower didn’t wash away the bidet would. Sadly, by the time I was done Elroy was awake
Elroy's fingers traced the curve of my spine, sending shivers through my body as he undressed me. I closed my eyes, determined to enjoy this. Think of it as giving yourself a reward for your victory today, I thought to myself. Sex didn’t have to mean anything. "You're incredible, Olivia," Elroy