Chapter Twenty-Three Part One

ANNALISE

“My apologies, Xillon. But, I need to dress and get downstairs before dad bursts into flames. You are welcome to come in, if you’d like. We could talk while I'm putting on my clothes. By the way, you look handsome.”

And that he does in his black tuxedo with a silver undershirt that brings out the color of his grey eyes exquisitely.

Either I have devised a method to close off his thoughts or he is totally empty of any thought. He sniffs the air and clenches his teeth tightly. I take a look and observe a new door has been inserted and look back at him timidly.

“You replaced my door? Did someone help you? Because I don’t understand how you had the time to do the work by yourself.” I ask as I open the door and walk inside. He continues to stare quietly. “Xillon, get your ass in here, damn it,” I say and yank him inside.

“It smells like sex and Jarek in here. I’ve suffered enough already. I’m struggling to stay in here right now. Being in the same room with you while you smell of