Alarmed by my recent decline in grades, I dedicated myself even more to my studies. Burying myself in the books was helping in multiple ways. Not only was I keeping to my learning track, I was able to distract myself from my plethora of fears. They still existed inside of me, but when studying, I
Joseph was definitely following me, and he was closing in. Panicking, I ducked into the student union. Even at night, it would have lots of people around. Joseph wouldn’t dare hurt me in front of other people. “Cynthia!” he called. I stilled. Better to deal with him here, now, under the fluore
Behind Joseph, a figure began to take shape from nothingness. I recognized Lamar’s smile. No. No, not here! Too many people! Too many witnesses! Joseph seemed satisfied by my reaction and loosened his hold. I wasted no time. I turned and ran. “Lilith!” I called in my mind. “Find refuge
I didn’t understand what was happening. What could bring a boy as strong as Asher to his knees like this? Whatever it was had me shaking. “Asher, please…” I didn’t know how to help him. I felt so powerless. Yet after two long minutes, he sucked in a deep breath like he could finally breathe
Asher’s entire body tensed, tight as a coiled spring about to pop. His hands formed fists. His eyes were a blizzard. His mouth was a hard line. “He will never touch you or your child.” Asher’s assuredness was ever a comfort. “Any investigators or killers that come for you will have to go through m
“Cynthia.” Asher’s words rumbled in his chest under my ear. “I would love to repair our bond.” My heart sprouted wings and flew high. “Okay. Okay, great.” He held me, and I held him back. After a moment, I asked, “How do we repair it exactly?” He paused a moment, as if thinking. “We could st
When I tilted my head the other way, he gave the opposite side equal attention. “Asher…” “Guide me, Cyn.” “Take my shirt off.” His large hands slipped under my shirt at the waist and slowly lifted it up and up and up. I leaned forward, and he pulled it over my head. He tossed it over his sho
The next morning, I woke up snug in Asher’s arms. My body was pleasantly refreshed. I felt lighter than I had in a very long time, as if much of the weight I had been hauling around had suddenly been cut loose. I was still in danger, but Asher… Oh, Asher… I turned in his embrace to look up at