Page 75 of Renascence

“Couple months.”

“Wow. They look very much in love.”

“They are. That man would do anything for Raven.”

Must be nice.

I lay my forehead on the window, thinking back to when I was nineteen. I was in college. Nick and I had just started dating. It was before he wrecked me. Before… everything. How I wish I could go back to that time.

Filled with thoughts of a young and carefree me, it takes Venom opening my door to jar me back to reality. I hurry inside, the cold night wind whipping against my bare legs. I’m about to dive under the covers when Venom hands me a negligée.

“Wear this one, darlin’.”

I change into the black silk nightie, sliding under the warm blanket while ogling him as he undresses.

“You know what I just realized?”

“What?” he asks.

“When we’re having sex, you don’t do that.”

“Do what?” His brows knit in confusion.

“Call me darlin’ or even Em. It’s always Emily. Why?”

“Well.” He perches on the side of the bed. “The day I met you, you said that’s what you prefer. I figure if I’m going to ask for your submission, the least I can do is use your proper name.”

“I don’t mind. In fact, I like when you call me darlin’.”

“Good to know, darlin’.” He winks, heading for the door.

Making good use of my liquid courage, I continue, “Know what else I noticed? You’re never in bed when I wake up.” He stops in his tracks, dropping his head. “When you wake me up during the night, it’s like you never stayed… like you leave the moment I fall asleep.”

He retraces his steps, standing over me and forcing me to look up at him. I don’t know why, but tears well in my eyes.

“It’s not about you, Em. I’ve been working in my office.”

“Working?”

“The next couple of months are going to be extra busy for me. Your uncle is not the only one I do accounting for. I’m just trying to get a head start.”

I hear what he’s saying, and a part of my mind understands. The other part, the part that’s dominating right now, is only focused on one thing.

“I just want to be held. I know it’s not a part of the deal, but… James—”

“Don’t say that name,” he growls. “Especially not in here.”

“I’m sorry. I just….” I wipe at my tears, not knowing what to say. I need to stop. I can’t mess up what I have going with Venom. Ican’t.

“Move over, darlin’.” He sighs, occupying the spot I vacated. “Come here.”

I practically dive into his arms, laying my head on his chest. His arms surround me, giving me a sense of safety I haven’t felt in a long time. My tears disappear, his warmth and even breathing lulling me to sleep. With the rhythmic beat of his heart at my ear, I drift off to dreamland.

***

I crack one eye open against the sun streaming in through the windows. Venom is the next thing I see. I’m not in his arms, but at least he’s here. He’s sitting up and working, papers scattered on his side of the bed.

“Good morning.”