Episode 23

Naomi

The next day, I was reading in the study when Gavril walked in. “You’re early,” I said, putting my book aside and giving him a soft smile.

He didn’t return it, though it was rare that he did outside of sex. “Would you care to go for a ride?”

My heart lodged in my throat. I was so ready to be out of the mansion for a little while. “Yes, let me grab my shoes and I will be ready.”

He inclined his head, and I raced up the stairs to my room, gathering a pair of slip-on shoes and my sunglasses. I was already dressed in a loose-fitting floral tunic that reminded me of summer and a pair of white shorts, and though I didn’t have any makeup on, I doubted that Gavril would wait for me to put a full face on.

So, I opted for a tube of lip gloss and a quick swipe of mascara before heading back downstairs. Gavril opened the door and we walked out into the sweltering summer heat, escaping into a waiting car a moment later.

I clasped my hands in my lap as the car wound down from the hill and to