HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE

Anders pulled out at the gates and tossed his key to his driver who appeared in the corner. Walking around to the passenger's side, he pulled open the door for Veil and took her left hand gingerly in his, walking her up into his house.

As always, the lights in the living room were turned off, with the dim rays from the stairs casting a soft glow around. Usually, Anders made good use of the darkness, reaching out to Veil and wrapping a hand around his waist.

But not tonight.

The living room was flooded with light suddenly and Veil's eyes snapped shut instantly from the brightness. She opened it slowly until her eyes got used to the lights and by that time, Anders was no longer standing before her.

But he reappeared a minute later with two glasses of ginger juice. Handing one to Veil, he motioned her over to the double seater. “We've both had enough alcohol to last one week,” he muttered. “This should help it.”

“How?” Veil questioned as she took a sip. She grimaced as the liquid swirl