Page 56 of Eternal

My eyes open todarkness.

I turn to face the clock on the nightstand and see that it’s four in the morning. I didn’t plan on falling asleep in Declan’s bed, but exhaustion took hold the moment I closed my eyes, and I couldn’t fight it.

Rolling onto my back, I stretch my arm out and find Declan’s side empty.

“Looking for me?”

I sit up, pulling the sheet over my chest. Declan is sitting at his desk across the room, leaning back in his chair with his feet kicked up on it. He’s wearing sweats and a T-shirt, and his hair is still messy from the shower. The glow of his phone lights his face as he types something into it.

“And here I thought the devil summoned you back to hell in the middle of the night to give you tomorrow’s orders.”

He smirks. “No such luck.”

I glance around the room, suddenly feeling vulnerable that, once again, he’s dressed while I’m naked.

He’s relaxed, and I’m vulnerable.

How long has he been sitting in the chair watching me sleep? Did he get a hint of the nightmares that make it impossible for me to get any real rest?

“What are you doing?” I ask, brushing my hair off my shoulder.

He locks his phone and sets it down, dropping his feet to the floor. “Checking in on something.”

“Checking in on something.” I roll my eyes, annoyed.

“What?”

“Why are you allowed to know everything about me, but you refuse to tell me anything about you? That’s not how relationships work, you know?”

“Happy to see you’re admitting that’s what we are now.”

“I’m not—”

“Are you trying to get to know me, Tealene Donovan?” He cuts me off, leaning forward.

“No.” I scowl. “Maybe I’m just looking for some blackmail of my own.”

“Doubt it.” He smirks. “It’s adorable you want to get to know your boyfriend.”

“Fakeboyfriend.”

He shrugs, leaning back in his chair, glancing at his phone when it lights up. “When do you want me to take you home?”

He’s the one who forced me to stay last night, but now that I’m awake, he’s rushing me out of his room. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I hate that it hurts.

“Now, I guess.” I scoot to the edge of the bed, holding the sheet to my chest.

“I wasn’t saying you have to leave this second.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not offended.” I try to bury any hurt with sarcasm. “This is the last place I want to be.”

Declan watches me as I drop my feet to the floor, searching the room for my clothes.

We’ve been at war for almost as long as I’ve known him, but for the first time, I’m tired of fighting.

“Teal—”

“It’s fine.” I force a smile. “I have an appointment this morning anyway. I need to change clothes before that.”