lia'

up with that shameless nickname. The vibration see

composure, but I could see the subtle tensio

an avalanche of text messages, each notification more demanding than the last. Bold

ick you could cut it with a knif

wer it?" I asked, my voi

lancing at the screen, he powered it off and placed it b

u're still running a slight fever," he said softly. "It's

my eyes, my body rigid de

ntently as Xavier retrieved his phone. His footsteps were soft as he

ming right over..." His voice was a hushed whisper,

bedroom, grabbed hi

ed, my eyes snapped open

ter is like a bad apple - once they

r in the morning

of relief. He approached, touched my forehea

mingling with my own bitter thoughts. When he emerged wearing his robe, he slid into bed besi

up. I studied his sleeping form with cold detachment-the handsome features I

of small, distinctive bite

ab him through the heart with a sterling silver dagger, so that

.

ed an apron and prepared breakfast for both of us, call

you sleep in?" Xavier approached,

his touch. "It was just a m

ked at his empty hand, momentarily awkward, but seemed r

g by you," I began, my

asked, taking a

it my job at

ve been focused on nothing but work for years. I'm burnt out. I want to experien

trying to figure ou

ing my leg?"

n't reach my eyes. "What, do you think I'm some kin

rom work might be good for you. You can stay home

aster plan, isn't it? Make me your breeding machine while you continue

ys. I'm thinking of traveling to Europe-I've made pl

ped? She has time to travel with you

my smile bright and false. "She'

ent, his wheels

for you. I'll take care of all the arrangements. You w

accepting nor declining his off

n't want to show up at the office looking like a victim

d my clothes, shoes, and personal items

visibly emptying-anyone paying th

mained comple

he was home. He was glued to his phone, alternating between qui

ance through the floor-to-c

atching him smile at his phone,

ned my fingertips, I let go

the picture, I looked so sweet, so happy, and his eyes were full of nothing but me... T

ted my chest. I stared at those ashes,

re you

ced the activity ou

lm me. "Nothing important, just some..." I turned to look at him, my sl

black smoke, regarding me as if I'd lost my mi

of it for good,"

urrowed in

t trace of light on the horizon was swallowed by darkne