Page 28 of Eternal

It’s soft. Gentle. I almost let myself believe in us for a split second.

“Can we speak for a moment?” My father steps toward us again, eyeing Declan. “Privately.”

Only then does Declan release me from my trance. He breaks contact for the first time since we walked into my parents’ house, hooking his pinkie through mine for a split second before breaking away.

Sipping my water, I pretend not to listen as they whisper angrily at each other a few feet away. It’s not difficult, given the number of people in the room. Glasses clatter, and crystal chimes as a group of people cheers.

I scratch the back of my neck, and suddenly, I itch all over. It’s so quiet in here that it’s loud. A hundred voices all melt together. A door hinge squeaks nearby as a waiter exits the kitchen.

A woman chews loudly, and through every other sound, that’s all I can hear. Her teeth grinding together with every bite. Food mashing in a rhythmic crunch that sends a shiver up my spine.

I try to face away from her, but it doesn’t work. I still hear it.

“Fuck.” I slam my water glass down on the table beside me, and I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter.

Water splashes out onto my dress.

The people around me glance over, including Declan, who has turned his body to watch me while my father continues talking.

This is why I avoid crowds. They’re too loud and unpredictable.

I’m too unpredictable.

A few people smirk as they watch me, whispering to each other. But no one asks if I’m okay or offers help as I brush water off my silk dress. They’re too busy talking about me to actually care.

Nearby, two men standing at the bar are talking loud enough for me to hear them.

“Even a Pierce can’t cure that kind of crazy.” The man chuckles, and his friend nods his head. “A thousand bucks says Ian paid his son to show up with her just to get back at Donovan.”

They chuckle, and the room starts to spin.

I’m crazy.

I’m empty.

I’m insignificant.

I should be used to people talking like I’m not here—Lord knows my mind isn’t. But something about how the two men glance over at me cuts straight through my chest.

Taking a step back, I look over at Declan. But he’s no longer watching me or my father. Instead, his stare is set on the two men talking about me while my father continues to lecture him.

I want to run or scream. But the second I move, Declan walks away from my father and catches me.

“What are you doing?” I ask when he grabs my jaw and tips my face up.

“Proving a point.”

Declan’s lips meet mine, and time stops.

He hands me the lie of us, and I feed on it. He offers me the mask to hide behind, and I accept it. One hand wraps around my lower back while the other grazes my jaw, and I give Declan all my darkness. My fears. My pain.

My lips part, and I ignore my instincts.

I block out the voices in my head telling me this is just a way for him to piss off my dad even more.

Wrapping my arms up over his shoulders, I do what I’m good at.

I pretend.