Chapter 8 - Sylas

Aurora has either lost her mind or my ears are no longer working correctly.

Because I swear I heard her just say, “Help me break my marriage.”

I know something has happened. After her surprise call to the cafe—A day I've been unable to get out of my head. I know her dead weight husband had done something.

I just didn't know how serious it is.

For Aurora to barge into my office, with red puffy eyes and a determined expression.

She's serious but it's going to take sometime getting used to.

I close my computer, rise from my chair slowly, and steer her into a seat, before shutting the door.

Fetching a glass of water, I press it into her hands and perch on the edge of my desk.

“Talk to me.”

She wasn't making much sense that day in the cafe and I'm hoping she'll make more sense now.

She heaves like she's about to cry but no tears drop from her eyes.

I fold my arms to keep from touching her and waiting patiently. I hate seeing her sad or unhappy. I've made it a mission to make her happy and do everything to ease the stress she loves to inflict on herself.

The fact that the source of her sadness is that useless man makes my blood boil. My chest tightens with the urge to break his face and some of his bones.

Aurora sips the water and meets my gaze.

The utter dejectedness in her eyes breaks my resolve and I want to hold her, to cradle her, to promise her the world.

“I've made a mistake, Sylas,” she starts, her voice barely above a whisper. “You warned me. I thought I was in love. I thought he was in love.”

I know for a fact Aurora loves her husband. It had broken my heart to see it, to finally admit to myself that I've lost her forever.

But I don't interrupt her.

“I'm going to divorce Dorian,” she declares.

Words can't explain the relief that bursts out of me. “Really?” my eyes widen.

She nods and her gaze falls to the glass in her hands. “I signed him as my beneficiary. I know that was a stupid thing to do. Well I want him off. I want to divorce and leave him nothing and with no way to fight legally.”

There's a strange edge in her voice. Something I've heard only a handful of times when she's facing bullies and foolish old men that think she's not good at her job.

“What happened, Aurora?” my anger stirs, my eyes narrowing.

She doesn't respond.

“Did he cheat on you?” I hope he didn't. I hope he’ll think long and hard before disrespecting Aurora like that.

She stays quiet.

Another horrible thought occurs to me. “Did he hurt you? Because I swear I'll—”

“Just help me, Sylas. I promise to tell you everything I can later. But you have to trust me on this.”

“I trust you,” I answer promptly.

Her gaze rises and I find an appreciative smile on her face. I'm reaching for her before I can think about it, pulling her up and into my arms.

Aurora will never know how much she means to me. How her friendship saved me.

Her head rests on my chest while her hands wrap around my waist. I hold her tightly, inhaling the sweet coconut smell of her hair, the intoxicating scent of her perfume and feeling the lines of her body pressed against mine.

I want this. I want this so bad. I've had dreams. Thoughts devoted to her.

My heart goes off kilter and I pray she's not listening to the embarrassing race of my heart. I rub her back in a soothing motion.

“You're going to be okay.”

Before she can say anything, reality slams back into my body.

Aurora is still married.

Aurora is still off limits.

I break the hug quickly and effectively put distance between us by moving around the desk to my chair.

Her face falls.

“Sorry about that. I’ll help with all you need,” I say.

My feelings will have to be controlled. Aurora hasn't tried to cross between friendship in all the years I've known her. She probably doesn't feel the same way.

Taking advantage of her vulnerable state is something I'll never do.

She settles back into the seat, tucking away loose curls of hair. “I don't mind a comforting hug.”

That's good for her but bad for me.

“So what's your plan?”

“I was thinking you’ll help with that. You know more about the legal side.”

I sit down and rub my jaw, explaining calmly. “It's pretty straightforward. He has to sign away his beneficiary rights with reasons like being mentally unfit.”

Or fatally injured, the dark thought flickers in and out of my head.

“Dorian won't just sign it.”

“I can make him sign it,” I offer, imagining driving my fists repeatedly into his face.

“I don't want him to know I want a divorce.”

I frown but don't question it.

“Fine. I'll draft the proper documentation but you'll have to get him to sign it without knowing. Any ideas?”

“I have a few.”

The discussion goes on for twenty more minutes with Aurora throwing out ideas on how to trap her good for nothing husband. Most of them aren't feasible and we don't reach a good plan before Heather pokes her head to remind me of the meeting with Mandy.

I almost tell her to reschedule.

“I've forgotten you're running the companies for both of us while I'm on my honeymoon,” Aurora says regretfully. “I've taken much of your time. I should go.”

“You can wait. I’ll wrap up the meeting quickly, the deal is already finalized.”

She offers me a wonderful smile. “It's okay. I have to get home, Dorian is waiting for me.” She checks her phone and her shoulders deflate.

Even a blind person can tell the expression marring her beautiful features isn't one of love.

As she stands, I hear a faint wince. My ears perk up.

“Are your legs hurting?”

She tries to cover it up with a dismissive wave. “I'm fine.”

“I heard you wince. Did you take your drugs?”

“I think I might've forgotten,” she admits softly.

I'm on my feet. “I'm not letting you walk out of here. Back or front?”

Aurora's cheeks flush. “You don't have to do that. It's minor. I can walk.”

“Since when have I taken no for answer?” I retort, moving to her like metal to a magnet. “Back or front?”

She drags out a sigh but I see the beginning of a laugh. “Back I guess.”

I kneel and she gingerly climbs on my back. It started during college when her pain was worse. After being friends for a few weeks I offered to carry to her and she reluctantly agreed.

“Comfortable?” I ask, adjusting her weight on my back.

She hums in response.

The first time I carried her was when I realized I'd fallen hopelessly in love.