Page 19

KLAUS

S he's a liability.

With every passing day, she's sinking her roots into this home. She's becoming a part of our lives. The kids already adore her.

I should cut the cord before it's too late.

But for whatever reason, I can't bring myself to do it.

I sit in my armchair and stare out the window. I have other things I need to do right now, but none of it feels significant anymore.

I watch her leave in the black Benz. Once she's outside the mansion gates, she'll be free to take her own car.

I wonder where she's going tonight.

Despite telling myself I wouldn't, I placed hidden cameras in her bedroom. I watched her as she got ready for the night.

I can't help myself. I can't get her soft curves and pretty eyes out of my head. Her skin looked iridescent under the moonlight, like she had mermaid scales for skin.

I wonder if she's going to see someone tonight.

I wonder if she has a man in her life.

A part of me wants to keep her all for myself, but I know that's not realistic. A man like me can never love a woman.

My phone starts ringing.

I stare at it.

I swear Alaric has uncanny timing. Every time I start slipping into the dark abyss of my mind, he reaches out in some way.

"Hey," I answer as I pick up.

"Oh my God, at least pretend to be excited when you hear from me," he says.

"I'm thrilled, can't you tell?" I say, leaning back in my chair.

"You missed out on a promising career in Broadway," he deadpans.

"It's their loss," I say.

"What are you doing tonight, man?" he asks. "I'm on my way back from the airport. We can meet for drinks at Elysium."

"Don't you want to rest?" I ask.

"I slept plenty on the plane," he answers.

I check my watch. It's late, but I know nothing good will happen if I stay at home thinking about the nanny all damn night.

"How far away are you?" I ask.

"I can be there in an hour."

"I'll see you there then."

After we hang up, I grab the keys to myLamborghini.

I've wanted to test a theory, and Elysium is the perfect place to do it.

I see flashes of her as I drive. I see the indent on her bottom lip. The way her dark eyes seem to access a place deep inside me. The way I don't mind touching her soft skin.

After the things I went through in Afghanistan, I never thought I would be able to touch another person without having bile rise up my throat.

But I have no problem touching Emma.

If anything, it feels good.

So. Fucking. Good.

I press down on the accelerator, going well above the speed limit.

I used to drive fast just to feel something. But now, I'm driving because I'm feeling too much.

By the time I reach the gates of Elysium, there's excitement in my veins.

As I enter the establishment, itfeels like I'm walking into a dream. Everything is familiar, but it also feels distorted somehow.

It's not the outside world that has changed. It's me.

I'm the one who's different.

I must be going crazy because I swear I can smell her here. The scent of freshly baked bread and sweet frosting lingers in the air, whispering sweet nothings to me.

I'm presented with trays of refreshments, ranging from smoked salmon canapés to cocaine. That's not what I'm here for, though.

I find tonight's hostess.

"Good evening, Mr. Sinclair. What can I help you with tonight?" she asks.

I contemplate for a second whether I really want this. This is a request I've never made before.

"I'd like a girl," I say.

If she's surprised, she doesn't show it. "Of course. Do you have any preferences?"

Her .

I want the one woman I have no business lusting after.

"Innocent brown eyes. Dark hair with soft curls. Five foot six." Smells like a fucking bakery. Drives me insane with just one look. Tries to talk back every chance she gets.

"We'll do our best to find the right girl for you," she says. "Would you prefer a private booth?"

"Send her to my room," I say.

"Perfect." She scrolls through her iPad. "She'll be ready for you in ten minutes."

All of the men who have a membership at Elysium are provided with their own privateaccommodations. I've spent nights at Elysium before afterhaving too much to drink, but it'll be the first time I invite a girl to my room.

I take the staircase to the first floor.

Once I'm inside my room, I pour myself a drink.

And I wait.