Share

Chapter 8 : Nowhere to Hide

Aвтор: Claire Wilkins
last update Последнее обновление: 2024-09-11 14:04:35

*Ember*

**Kieran ran his hands down my thighs, parting them, finding me wet and dripping for him.

“Mmm… nice, beautiful,” he murmured, leaning in and latching on with his lips.

I felt fire from them, all-consuming fire.

“Kieran…” I moaned, my fingers tangling in his thick, dark hair.

His tongue flicked out, circling my clit, then delving inside me.

I cried out and bucked beneath him, but my dragon was merciless. He sucked, nibbled, and added his thumb to bring me more pleasure.

If I were ever going to spontaneously combust, this would be that moment.

Instead, I threw my head back and came against his mouth, shouting his name. “KIERAN!”

Kieran prowled over me and gave me a wet kiss, smiling like the cat who got the cream. “Just think how it could be, beautiful. You. Me. Baby…”

Baby. **

***

I blinked my eyes open at that thought, frowning in the early dawn light that was spilling into my upstairs apartment. It was a dream after all.

Groaning, I threw my covers off me and padded to the bathroom to shower. I was covered in sweat and my own desire and I couldn’t exactly go to work all disheveled. Like a woman who’d just had sex.

Still, as the water sliced over my body, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have Kieran’s strong fingers rubbing shampoo into my hair, his warm body behind me, his hardness pressed in…

I shook my head, getting droplets of soapy water everywhere like a wet dog.

It wouldn’t do to keep thinking this way about him. I wasn’t going to see him again, anyway.

Once I was dressed in khakis and my bookstore uniform t-shirt, I headed downstairs.

Rowena was already fiddling with the window display, changing it over from politics to history. It was her favorite thing to do.

On the counter, I saw more envelopes. Since they were open already, I reached for them.

“Ember, darling, I told you, you don’t need to worry about such things,” she scolded me without even turning her head from the window display.

The woman had eyes in the back of her head, I swear. “I’m worried anyway, Rowena. Your health and the shop and these bills…”

She got herself out of the display window and hobbled over to me, her expression stern. “Ember Haiven, you stop poking your nose where it doesn’t belong. Everything is going to be fine.”

“But–”

“I think you need to go back up those stairs and pull yourself together. I don’t want to see you again until you’re ready to stop being nosy,” she said imperiously.

“But–”

She tapped her cane on my butt cheek. “Up. Up!”

I sighed and turned back to the stairs, making my way to my small apartment.

A red dragon screensaver flew happily across my three monitors, welcoming me back home. I went to the computer and sat down in my gaming chair. Since Kieran wasn’t a threat - at least I didn’t think he was a threat - there wasn’t any reason I couldn’t sign back up for my forums.

I had just finished getting myself back into the fifth one when DracoK4u messaged me.

There were other pop-ups, of course, online friends wondering where I’d been. But this one surprised me since Kieran and I had parted on bad terms.

*Hey beautiful. I didn’t expect to see you on at this time of day. Is everything okay?* Kieran asked.

I was so relieved to read his concern that I wanted to cry. There was so much I wanted to say but couldn’t.

*No, not really.* I answered honestly. *Rowena sent me back upstairs because I was being too nosy about the bills and her health and stuff. She won’t let me come back down until I’m willing to shut up about it. But I’m worried. I’m so worried.*

*I’m sorry to hear that,* Kieran said.

*She’s just not facing facts,* I despaired, *she talks like everything is going to be okay, but nothing is okay, and I don’t know how she’s going to make it okay.*

*Ember… do you know how much she needs?* Kieran typed.

I stared at the screen, frowning. *Last I saw it was over $35,000 for the medical bills alone. Apparently cancer is expensive in the U.S.*

*… what if I sent you $50,000?* Kieran asked.

My jaw dropped. *Kieran, you couldn’t possibly!*

*It’s not a lot of money to me, and I know Rowena means a lot to you.*

I wondered if twenty million was supposed to buy him a baby, what he’d expect for fifty thousand dollars.

*No. Absolutely not. And if I see a courier carrying it into the shop, I’ll block you on my cell phone.*

*Okay. Okay. It was just a thought,* Kieran replied.

*Let’s just… let’s not talk about it anymore.* I twirled a lock of deep red hair around my finger. *How about… you tell me more about what you know about fire mages?*

*Well, Nola would be the best source to talk to about that. She’s been researching like crazy. Apparently she finds you almost as fascinating as I do.*

*Charmer.* I grinned at my screen. *Okay, well, if it’s okay, I’ll ask Nola later. Does she have an e-mail or something?*

*nolaluv21@jmail.com*

I added the e-mail to my contacts. *Thanks.*

*Anytime. So… I’m supposing you have some more questions about dragons… * Kieran said.

I jumped right on that one. *Questions?! I read through the books Nola gave me but boy, you have NO idea how many questions I have!*

*LOL. Okay. Hit me.*

My fingers trembled with excitement. *Are there lots of dragons in the human world? Do all of you come through that portal thing in the caves? Do all of you have that tattoo like you?*

Kieran answered each question patiently, even as I continued to fire them off.

I’d have continued for days on end, I knew, except I was worried about Rowena and the shop, and as the sun dipped down and cast long shadows on my floor, I knew it was time to go back.

*Maybe later we can talk face-to-face? Or rather over camera?* I typed.

*Going back downstairs?* Kieran asked.

*Someone has to keep her out of trouble. Anyway, I’ll talk to you soon. I’m glad you’re not… mad at me,* I said.

*How could I be mad at someone so sexy?* Kieran teased.

*Charmer,* I typed again. *I’ll see you later.*

*I’ll be waiting,* Kieran replied.

I smiled to myself as I signed off. I was glad we could still be friends.

The dragon clock on my desk showed me I’d been upstairs until nearly closing time. I quickly got up and bounded down the stairs.

When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I noted the lights were off.

“Strange…” I murmured to myself, going to the side and flicking on the switches.

My fear had been I’d find Rowena on the floor, helpless, maybe injured or overcome by her sickness.

As I looked at the two figures in black hoodies holding guns on me as the lights flickered on, I realized I didn’t have enough imagination.

They’d found me.

“Where’s Rowena?” I asked, trying to sound braver than I felt.

“The old lady?” one of them replied.

“Yes. The old lady,” I said.

The other dark-clad figure gestured to the counter.

Not even caring about the guns, I raced to the counter to find Rowena on the floor behind it, out cold, a nasty bump on her head.

“Christ on a cracker, don’t you people have ANY sense of compassion?! She’s, like, eighty!” I cried. I knelt over her and patted her hand. “Rowena? Rowena?”

I felt the cold press of the muzzle of a gun against my temple. “I think you’d better start worrying about yourself right now.”

“Look,” I said, not daring to move. “I’ll do whatever you want or go wherever you want, just please make sure she gets to a hospital.”

The one with the gun pressed to my head snorted. “Yeah, not falling for that one. Pesky cops at hospitals. Can’t have you drawing attention to yourself.”

Anger boiled in my gut and I began tugging at my gloves.

The gun pressed harder into my temple. “I wouldn’t. We were warned about you.”

“Yeah, hands of death,” the other one said.

“You just keep those gloves riiiight where they are.” The gun dug even deeper into my skin. “I don’t care how valuable you are. I ain’t plannin’ on dying today. So if it comes down to you or me, I’m gonna choose me.”

I stopped pulling at my gloves. “You are monsters. Both of you. And you’re crazy if you think I’m just going to leave her here like this.”

“Be a good girl and we might let you dial nine-one-one from the store before we take you,” the one who wasn’t holding a gun on me said.

I laughed bitterly. “You’re not going to let me do that.”

“Smart girl.” The gun twisted against my temple as though he were trying to drill it into my brain. “I never liked that quality in a woman. Now, get up.”

“No,” I said, just barely stopping myself from shaking my head. “Not without getting help for Rowena.”

That earned me a hard pistol whip across the face. My vision became full of stars.

“You seem to forget who’s in charge here. I said get the FUCK up!”

I swallowed, and was just starting to rise when Rowena’s cloudy eyes opened.

“I’ll have you know,” she shouted in as loud a voice as she could muster, “I am SEVENTY-SEVEN!”

Then, much to my shock and that of the men who’d come for me, Rowena brought her cane down on the wrist of the man holding the gun.

There was a rather satisfying crunch, and the man yelped, dropping the gun in shock.

“Oh, you’re gonna regret that, you old bat,” the man growled, reaching behind him for another gun, I supposed.

I wasn’t planning on letting him get that far. I whipped off my gloves and grabbed the man’s exposed wrist, my hot, bright hands barbecuing him from the inside out in seconds.

He let out an unholy shriek of agony, and then he was gone.

Seeing what had happened to his cohort, the other man aimed his gun at me.

A yellow, center-cut tennis ball bonked off the side of his head.

“What the–?” he muttered.

I took advantage of his confusion and grabbed him by the throat. There was a sizzle, and a gurgle, and then he was gone as well.

Rowena struggled to her feet, leaning heavily on her cane, whose four-prong bottom was now missing one tennis ball. “Young people these days,” she sniffed.

I ran back around the counter to help her as she swayed while standing. I quickly pulled my gloves back on before putting an arm around her. “Rowena, we need to get you to a hospital.”

“Of course, dear,” she agreed. “But what about our dead friends?”

I looked at the bookstore floor at the two burned bodies and winced. “I’m… really not sure what to do about them. I don’t suppose you have any friends in the mafia and could ask for a ‘cleaner’?”

Rowena chuckled, then groaned. “I think we’ll have to just turn the lights off for now. I do need a doctor.”

It was then I saw Rowena’s arm was at an odd angle. The anger I felt almost strangled me. I wished I could kill them all over again. “Okay. I’ll get you to the car.”

“You don’t have a license,” Rowena reminded me.

“Let that be the least of our problems,” I said, and guided her to the back door of the store, turning off the lights behind us.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapter

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 9 : My Only Hope

    *Ember*I sat beside Rowena’s bed, holding her hand and occasionally getting up to fuss with her pillows. The hospital room was cold, and too white with its white sheets, white walls, and white decor. I was already on edge and the lack of color was doing nothing for my nerves. Rowena kept trying to get me to stop my hovering, encouraging me to go to the cafeteria after we’d been there over eight hours, but I wouldn’t budge. I couldn’t think about food. Not only was I concerned for my friend’s health, I didn’t want there to be problems if more of those thugs showed up.“Well?” I asked the doctor when he came back in for the third time, having just hemmed and hawed the first two times he’d been in the room.“Ms. Alden, do I have permission to speak with Ms. Haiven about your condition?” Dr. Patel asked.Rowena waved a hand. “Might as well. She is all up in my business, anyway.” She gave me a sharp look, then smiled it away.He nodded. “Ms. Alden has a few broken bones and

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11
  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 10 : Into the Dragon's Clutches

    *Ember*It took less than twenty-four hours for me to be swept away from Rowena and brought back to Kieran’s castle. Less than twenty-four hours for two bodies to disappear. Less than twenty-four hours for Rowena’s bills to be paid and for her to be slated for transfer to a hospital in Boston when she was in better condition.Nola was a bright spot in my new life. She was so excited that I might be a fire mage, I thought she might grow wings and fly herself.“And look here, see? Mages can heal! Not just, you know, fry people - I know that must kinda suck in most situations - but, you know, heal them, too! And there’s all sorts of other things you can do with your magic, it’s just sooo awesome!” Nola beamed, thrusting another book into my hands.There was already a stack of at least ten sitting next to my leather armchair. “How did you get a hold of all of these?” I asked, marveling at the collection.“Oh! He has ALL kinds of books. But he only had a handful about fire mages.

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11
  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 11 : A Day with a Dragon

    *Ember*My eggs were harvested for the procedure and I spent nearly a week in bed recovering from the fatigue of it and wondering if this was still such a good idea. Finally, I felt good enough to sit in the garden and enjoy breakfast. Coffee warmed my hands through a pottery-style mug as I watched the first dim light of dawn creep above the horizon. The sky warmed up to a beautiful orange and hot pink. The morning was crisp, the air damp and soothing to the lungs.I loved this view from the balcony in the early mornings. It was quiet, and there was no one else around. Not the bubbly Nola or the brooding Zephyr. Kieran was still keeping himself scarce, except for our online chats. But that was okay. Seeing him in person made me nervous, too.“It’s beautiful isn’t it,” came the familiar voice behind me.I turned in my lounger and saw Kieran standing in the doorway of the balcony, looking at me. “The view is spectacular.”“I think so, too.” He was still looking at me. “An

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11
  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 12 : Virtual Pleasure

    *Ember*The following evening, despite my boldness before, I still felt shy about letting Kieran watch me pleasure myself. Thankfully, he didn’t pressure me to do anything I wasn’t ready for.I did get comfortable being topless on camera, however, which pleased him immensely if the size of his hard length was anything to go by. I squirmed in my seat feeling the heat and need radiate throughout my core. My hands began to glow and I heard his sharp intake of breath. “Wow, bet your hands would feel amazing,” he groaned through the speakers and I felt my body flush all over.I blushed. “I’ll bet you say that to all the fire mages.”He laughed over the camera. “Tell me how they feel?”I pushed my thoughts about hurting him aside and imagined for a moment that it was true. That I could press my glowing hands against his flesh and he would be okay. “Close your eyes,” Kieren said. “Relax…”I took a breath, closed my eyes, and leaned back in my chair. “Mmm…” he groaned a

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11
  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 13 : Teasing a Dragon

    *Kieran*I made my way to the kitchen wanting to surprise Ember with a hearty breakfast. I had read online how embryo implanting can cause some cramping and discomfort for females and hoped to make the start of Ember's implanting day a little easier. After all, she was doing this for me and the future of our kingdom and deserved to be spoiled. For years I had been controlled by others and my bloodlust as a dragon was out of control. Building this castle and village had been an escape for myself as well as many others trying to run from the oppression in our homeland. I had a violent past, and I had made awful choices in order to survive. I took in a deep breath thinking about the past once again, knowing how much it haunted me.As I grew older and years passed here in the human world, I had come to the realization that I would not let my future be anything like my past. Others such as therapists and friends had tried to convince me I deserve happiness.I knew they were righ

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11
  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 14 : Singed by the Fire Mage

    *Ember*With my hand over my still-flat belly, I walked the grounds of the castle a few days later, careful to steer clear of the caves. I thought one attack might be enough for all of us for a while.I passed some lovely gardens, but was more drawn to the sounds of scuffling in the castle courtyard. Walking as quietly as I could, I peeked around an arched doorway to see what was going on.In the courtyard, my dark prince Kieran was fighting shirtless with the odious Norse god Zephyr. I wondered, briefly, if I should go intervene, then realized they were sparring.They circled each other, which was a shame, because really I only wanted to see Kieran. Zephyr’s tall form kept getting in the way.When Zephyr wasn’t in the way, I managed to catch glimpses of the intricate red dragon tattoo, with gold highlights, snaking across Kieran’s back. It rippled when he moved, the gold tints in it flashing in the sunlight. It was by far the most beautiful tattoo I’d ever seen.And Kieran

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11
  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 15 : Reignited Hope

    *Ember*After the awkward dinner, I couldn't shake the feeling of doubt that had crept in. Kieran's dismissal of my input hit me hard, making me question my place in all of this. I couldn't help but wonder what my role would be in this child's life. Would I just be the surrogate, the vessel that carried the heir to the throne, or would I have a say in how they were raised? Would I be nothing more than a distant memory while Kieran took the reins of their life?I found I really hated the idea of that and tried not to let the dismay it caused consume me. I'd known what I was agreeing to; it wasn't fair for me to get tangled up like this and make a mess of everything just because it wasn't how I imagined having my first child would be.I walked through the castle corridors toward my room, my mind swirled with conflicting emotions. The walls seemed to close in around me, amplifying my sense of uncertainty. Was this what I wanted? To be forever bound to Kieran? I couldn't deny the att

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11
  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 16 : Dinner with Games

    *Ember*I blinked in surprise. Kieran wanted to have dinner with me? I couldn't believe my ears. Had they deceived me?"You want to have dinner with me?" I asked, betraying the shock I was feeling as my voice quivered slightly. "Yes," Kieran smiled with a sheepish grin. "As a way to apologize for my earlier behavior, but also I think it may help us get to know each other better."I couldn't help but admire his dreadfully sexy looks as he grinned at me. How could I say no to a face like that? I still felt a little cautious after his snappy behavior but it wouldn't hurt to get to know each other better. I wouldn't mind that actually."Sure, I'd like that." I said with a smile realizing I was a bit famished. "We should head down to eat then, I ordered pizza and a whole bunch of yummy sides," Kieran said standing. "That sounds healthy," I jabbed teasingly as I stood with him and he led me to my room door. "Oh yeah, so healthy," he answered back sarcastically as he opene

    Последнее обновление : 2024-09-11

Latest chapter

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 50 : The New Addition

    *Ember*The day finally came where we were able to welcome our baby into the world. The way I felt about being able to give birth in my new home and kingdom felt truly special. I had come to view the Burning Isles as my home, too. In the days leading up to the baby's birth we had fixed up the castle to it's former glory with everyone's magical touch and expertise. We redecorated with Kieran’s emblem, one that he had newly created to represent us both. We patched up the walls and hung more lights in the halls. The colors had changed, the castle seemed brighter and happier than it had been when we first arrived. The throne room had transformed into different sections to include tables filled with maps, another was filled with plans for beautifying the farmlands with different crops, and the other was contracts with different merchants selling in the castle courtyard. Life was restarting here, and to see Kieran really step into his role as a leader was inspiring. I was so grate

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 49 : Life in the Castle

    *Kieran*Ember was truly glowing after she returned from the trial near the Tree of Life. I was thrilled to have her back. No… I was elated. I wanted to celebrate the great news that she could continue to stay here in the Burning Isles.I brought her to the master bedroom telling her about how we helped settle the refugees into rooms of their own. Yarin was helping delegate tasks to the refugees, giving them jobs around the castle. I promised all of them ample compensation and shelter here at the castle as long as they desired. If one day they wished to leave, I guaranteed they could leave whenever they'd like. My uncle had forced the servants and mages to stay here at the castle against their will. There would be no more dictatorship here. I wanted the people of the Burning Isles to have full amenity over their lives. Freedom was the most important thing to these people now, and I intended to make sure they had it.I sat on the bed watching Ember explore our bedroom that we w

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 48 : The Final Decision

    *Ember*I stared up into Kieran's eyes wrapping my arms around his neck."What do you want me to promise?" I asked looking deep into his eyes."Promise you'll come back in one piece, and stay by my side forever? Help me raise our kid? They'll need to hear all of your awful jokes and puns." Kieran teased booping my nose with his. "Wow," I said, shaking my head at him. "Thanks for the pep talk. I'll be sure to run back so I can get started on that."He smiled at my sarcasm, "No problem," he paused as his smile disappeared. "Seriously though, just come back to me.""I will," I said, pulling him in for a kiss. After saying goodbye I walked away from Kieran and Yarin who were starting to help refugees find rooms, the castle was so large it made sense to share it. I couldn't help but wonder how it would turn out, and I couldn't wait to get back to see it. I found my way outside the castle and found the back stairs that took me down the mountain side. I could see the field bel

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 47 : Can I Stay?

    *Ember*We were watching the large group of refugees from Yarin's camp congregate into the throne room, eager to help give them a place they can call home. I felt privileged and extremely honored to watch this monumental moment in Kieran's first few days as king of the Burning Isles. He seemed quiet and I looked over at him to observe a small smile curling the corners of his mouth. There was a sparkle in his eye as if he had something on his mind."I have an idea," he said, turning to look at me as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder."Oh?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."We can ask Yarin for help with the spell. She may know of a way to either reverse the spell or tamper with it. She's a very powerful mage, and since we are helping her people she may be willing to help us with this," Kieran said, pulling me close against him. "We could be together, with our child like we are meant to be."He placed a hand over my stomach, brushing slightly with his finger. I swore I could

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 46 : New Advisors

    *Ember*Changing back into her human form, Cassidy looked worse for wear with sweat dripping down her forehead and her makeup smeared. She breathed in heavily, holding her hands up in defeat. With a smirk she said, "You win, little one. Fair and square."I narrowed my eyes at her as I extinguished my flames. "That was not our agreement. You didn't follow through with your vow.""Oh Whatever… you're a fire mage… you were strong enough to maim me. Thanks for those burns by the way. You did well for a human," she whispered before Yarin and Kieran's footsteps came running down the sandpit toward us."You did it, Ember!" Kieran shouted excitedly pulling me away from Cassidy and giving me a big hug. He pulled away from me and looked Cassidy up and down with a judgmental look. "Ember, you defeated her dragon form too.""Yes, great job!" Yarin clapped nearby offering me a kind smile."Ember Haiven, you have won Kieran Dzianis' hand in marriage fair and square in a duel with me,"

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 45 : Flames and Knives

    *Ember*I fumbled around reaching for his hands, "Kieran, how do you think I felt when I saw you up in the air fighting your uncle?""Point taken, but I am still worried," he said."We are going around in circles with this discussion. For now, let’s get some sleep. If I don't rest, I won't be at my best for tomorrow," I explained."Can't have that," he whispered and we pulled the sheets over us, holding one another close."Kieran?" I asked as our breathing slowed. My eyes were drooping with sleep and exhaustion. "Yeah?" He asked."You did great today. Let's not forget how you just vanquished your most formidable foe. I am proud of you," I said sincerely."Thank you, Ember, you’re right. He's finally gone," Kieran sighed, like it was finally hitting him that it was over. "Good night."I answered back as I kissed him on the cheek before falling asleep, "Good night."The next day I was able to actually take a look around the castle without feeling impending doom. W

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 44 : Who Will it Be?

    *Ember*As my confusion and feelings of hurt deepened, I looked away from Kieran. My heart beat heavily and it felt like I had been betrayed by him. If he’d have told me he was still engaged, I wouldn’t have encouraged our interactions. I felt so hurt and I blinked back tears as I thought over Cassidy's words. She was meant to be queen. Not me. I wasn’t even supposed to be here. I wasn't sure how Kieran would be able to get out of this, especially if he was promised to her before we had met. What did that mean for the future child we shared?Resting a hand on my stomach, I massaged the bump, wishing our baby the best future life had to offer. I felt like the carpet had been pulled out from under me, and everything was at risk, hanging in the balance at this very moment in Yarin's hut. Cassidy's eyes had lit with jealousy earlier when she first met me. She didn't seem to understand that what Kieran and I had was real. It went beyond politics. Or so I had thought. Doubt

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 43 : Baggage

    *Ember*As our kiss deepened, I cleared my mind of everything that had just happened with Kieran's uncle and fell into a daze of pleasure. I could only think about Kieran as his stubble rubbed against my face, causing me to shiver in delight. I desired him so much. I couldn't help but run my hands down his pecs and his abs. He was a beautiful specimen just like his dragon."Sorry to interrupt," Yarin said, clearing her throat. "But Kieran before you get too comfortable… you should probably deal with your fiance. She'll want to know you are alive and what has happened here."My head spun in shock at Yarin's words. Fiance? I turned from her to look at Kieran who was breaking from our embrace. I now seemed like an afterthought to him as he distractedly broke away from me."She's alive?" he asked with a surprised tone walking over to Yarin."Oh yeah, she's alive all right. I heard a rumor that she is living with her father in their summer abode down by The Sparkling Waves Lake

  • Surrogate of the Sleeping Dragon   Chapter 42 : Show Time

    *Ember*I stood quietly next to Kieran and Yarin as we stood under the cover of the trees. The bridge connecting to the castle stood just across from us as we waited. It was quiet, and ominous dark clouds were scattered over the castle as if warning any people intending to visit to stay away. There were so many good reasons to stay away like possible death or malicious intent. Yet, here we stood.This day was inevitable, and I would never have dreamed that one day I'd actually be able to see the showdown between Kieran and his uncle. I absent-mindedly reached for Kieran's hand, trying to disguise the worry that enveloped my entire being. This was petrifying because I didn't want to lose him. He grasped my hand tightly and turned to look at me."Ready?" he asked, his face stoic. He must have been trying to remain as emotionless as possible."Ready as I'll ever be. How about you? Are you going to be okay, Kieran?" I asked worriedly, brushing a strand of loose hair behind my ear.

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status