Page 64 of Muse

The carriage pulled around for us, and I let go of his hand and climbed in. Soren followed after, and soon, we were on the road, riding through the darkened streets to Soren’s house.

The windows were open, and it smelled like bonfires from celebrations around town. An icy wind whipped through, and I shivered.

“Are you cold?” Soren asked, and he was already slipping out of his overcoat.

I would’ve declined, but he draped it over my shoulders. His hand brushed against my arm, and he said in dismay, “You’re freezing!”

He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close for warmth, and I rested my head against his shoulder. I closed my eyes and sunk into his arms, where I felt safe and content, no matter what else went on around us.

Chapter 38

The fatigue I had spoken of was not an exaggeration, and I ended up passing out in bed in the guest flat. Soren had walked me up to the door, making sure I got through the dark gardens safely. I handed him his overcoat, muttered good night, and fell on top of the bed, fully clothed.

I could've used help undoing my gown. I delighted in imagining Soren's warm, rough hands running over my icy skin as he undid the hooks, but I was too afraid to ask. If he had said no, his rejection would devastate me, and if he said yes… As much as I yearned to get lost in his arms and forget about everything else, I was afraid that if that happened,hewould be devastated.

Soren had been so resolute about the boundaries of our relationship, and I didn’t want to push him into something he’d regret.

More than that, I never wanted him to regretme.

So I let him leave in the night. I was too tired to fumble with my fasteners, so I fell onto the bed and into a deep slumber.

I awoke in the late morning, chilly under my blankets. The fire was nothing but embers, the wind was howling, and my dress was still so thin.

My body ached, and my mind felt sluggish. I had given my all during the conduction, and that confrontation with Baxley had taken more energy and emotion than I had to spare. But I refused to let myself think of Baxley, even when I noticed the bruises he’d left on my arm.

I hurried to clean up and pulled on a warm, long-sleeved dress. Nobody needed reminders of Baxley today.

My stomach rumbled with hunger as I stared out my window at the main house. I was ravenous and would love a cup of tea with Soren.

But Samonend was behind us, and Soren seemed to be struggling to keep me at arm’s length. To protect himself – or protect me – he’d likely be sending me packing. Our professional relationship may have run its course, and he’d never allow for a romantic one, so where did that leave us?

I couldn’t hide in the guest flat all day, especially not as hungry as I was. Besides that, if Soren did want me out, I wasn’t doing either of us any favors by staying.

I took a deep breath, pulled my wool cloak around me, and I made my way across the gardens in a swirl of autumn leaves.

Usually, when I came in the morning, Soren would be in the kitchen, but since it was much later than normal, I wasn’t surprised to find the kitchen empty.

I closed the door, practically slamming it against the gust of wind outside. It was loud enough to rattle the windows but didn't summon Soren. I took a few tentative steps into the house and called for him, but he didn't respond.

My foot crunched on something, and I noticed a scrap of paper that had blown off the countertop when the wind had blasted in through the door.

“Had to take care of some errands. I’ll be back later.”– Soren

I set it back on the counter, made myself a cup of tea, and stared out the window. My thoughts were swirling around like so many leaves in the wind.

When someone knocked on the front door of Soren's house, I almost jumped out of my skin. I actually dropped my cup of tea. The liquid was mostly gone, but the cup shattered on the floor.

As I crouched down to clean up the mess, the person at the door kept knocking. I wasn't sure if I should answer it since this wasn't my house, but I knew I didn't want to leave broken glass on the floor.

And then I heard the familiar shrill voice, “Soren Tomoleo, I will not let you keep my daughter from me any longer!”

A shard of the teacup accidentally dug into my palm, and I barely even noticed the blood pooling in my hand.

Adora was here.

I balled up my first to stop the blood and steel my spine. Adora was still shouting and knocking, even as I opened the door.

She stood frozen mid-knock, her eyes wide with surprise when she saw me standing there. When she ran at me, I flinched, expecting a slap, but instead, she hugged me, throwing her long arms around me. Before I could react, she pressed me into her thick fur cloaks, almost smothering me in them.

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