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“Good.” He closes the distance between us, placing one hand on my throat, applying slight pressure.

“If you get a single message, you tell me. I don’t give a fuck what it is, you tell me. I live a dangerous life, and I will not risk losing you. I also want to make it clear as fucking day, that you Evelyn, are mine. You are the only one. You will be the only one. I don’t care what the fuck happens, it is you and me. Got it?”

My chin trembles, and I nod my head. He pulls me into him and kisses my forehead, comforting me. I need him. He is all I have left.You can’t trust him. He is lying to you. He would never admit it.

26

Evelyn

My bags are almost unpacked. He gave me plenty of space in his closet, although I offered to live out of suitcases, he insisted. I took a shower and I feel a little bit better.

I’m glad I asked him about it, rather than letting it simmer. I don’t need anything else weighing on my conscience more than I already have.You still doubt him. You know what you saw.

Walking into the kitchen, I am hit with the aroma of coffee. I glance at the island to find that he has made coffee and an omelet for me. He can be caring when he wants to be. He has a way of expressing himself that can be horrible at times. He has never known love, I don’t think. He never talks about his family. I need to get him to open up to me.

I sit at the island and eat my breakfast, enjoying the quiet. I hear footsteps approaching. I swivel in my barstool to face the hall.

“How was your shower?”

I give him a thumbs up, since my mouth is full.

He shakes his head, smiling to himself as he walks towards the refrigerator. He is wearing his boxers, which fit him snugly.

“What do you want to do today?”

I hesitate. What do I want to do? Nothing comes to mind.

“I don’t know.”

“Let me know when you figure it out. I’ll be upstairs in my office.”

He walks back to the elevator and goes to work. At the same time, I stare out the windows that wrap around the house.

I think I’ll read my book today on the patio. I could really use the time to clear my head and figure out how to convince my parents to talk to me—and Astra, for that matter.

I go into Dante’s room and sift through my book collection, which I brought. I have a handful of thrillers and a few romances. I like to use them as a reset when my brain needs a break from all of the madness in the other ones.

I grab my book and head down to the patio. I walk through the sliding glass door and I am met with the smell of pine. I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath of the cool air.

The patio is made of dark wood, and patio furniture is spread out on the large deck. It overlooks the mountainside. I turn on the patio heaters and curl up on the outdoor sofa with my blanket. The air is pretty cold, but I’m used to it. I’ve lived in the mountains my entire life.

My thoughts drift back to Amara. She was someone who always understood my intentions. I always wanted to do the right thing. As soon as I did the wrong thing, my perfect world began to crumble.

The voices in my head feel weaker. They aren’t swarming around me and sucking me under. He makes them go away. That means he isn’t wrong. He is right. He feels right.

I pull out my phone and send Astra a text.

I’m sorry. I will always be here for you. I’m done pretending. I know who I am now. I love you. Please talk to me.

Xoxo- Ev

I lock my phone, knowing I probably won’t get a response. I set it aside and begin reading my book.Dracula. It was secretly Amara’s favorite. I’m the only one who knows that.

* * *

The pews are filled with people wearing all black. The sobs carry through the air like a haunting melody. I stand in the back, looking up towards the casket. My body moves towards the casket.

The sobs silence as I walk towards the dead. Everyone stares at me, and their faces are blurry. I don’t recognize them. I approach the casket, and I see Amara lying down. Her eyes closed, and her expression was soft. She looks peaceful.