Page 33 of His Dark Cravings

Could I even begin to explain to Max what happened without feeling like a hypocrite? Without feeling dirty?

“Everly?”

I snap back to reality, realizing I must’ve zoned out again. “Sorry, Max. Just... planning. Yeah, planning.”

He eyes me suspiciously, then shrugs. “Okay, I’ll let you get back to it. But hey, if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

His words are kind, but they stab me all the same. Do I need someone to talk to? Yes. But I can’t talk to him about this. I can’t talk to anyone about this. It’s a secret now, buried deep inside me, blooming like a poison flower.

I dip my head, focusing on the shirt in front of me. “Thanks, Max.”

When he finally walks away, I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. The clock on the wall ticks forward, and before I know it, the day winds down.

As I lock up for the day, I wonder what dinner will be like tonight. The idea both terrifies and excites me—a dangerous cocktail of emotions I’m ill-equipped to handle. But more than anything, I feel a flicker of warmth, maybe, or nostalgia. No—longing. Longing for the familiarity of Xavier’s arms, the way they felt last night when he held me after everything.

I shake my head, trying to dispel the thought. I shouldn’t feel this way. It’s wrong. It’s complicated. It’s everything I’ve ever sworn I wouldn’t let myself feel.

But I do feel it, and that’s the cruelest part.

With a quiet sigh, I step out into the cool evening air, leaving Ember’s Glow behind. The streets stretch out before me, and somewhere between the safe familiarity of my work and the uncertainty of home, I realize I’m closer to Xavier now than I ever was before. Whether I want that or not is another question entirely.

And so I head to Xavier's place, carrying with me the weight of last night and the quiet ache of wanting more.

Later, when I'm getting ready for dinner, I stand in front of my wardrobe, staring at the sea of skirts and blouses I usually don for work. Today feels different, though. I need to make a conscious choice to present myself in a way that's daring. My fingers brush over a blouse with a neckline slightly lower than usual, its soft fabric a whisper against my skin. It's subtle, but it feels intentional. Eh, it'd have to do for now.

As I dress, I can't shake the anticipation building inside me. Tonight isn't a normal dinner; it's about seeing where I fit into Xavier's world after a session like that, about proving I can navigate this new terrain.

And how will they see me now? Can I figure that out? Will it be obvious?

As I approach, the dining room sounds like it usually does. I can hear dolls setting food and plates down. I enter the room and search for Xavier and Lila—but my eyes land on only Sable and Winter instead.

Sable's smirk is immediate, something knowing that cuts through me. "Expecting someone else?" she drawls, her voice laced with amusement.

I feel a flush creep into my cheeks, embarrassment swirling in my stomach. Did she know? Had Xavier told them about last night?

"Of course I was expecting someone else," I snap back sharply. "We usually all have dinner together."

Sable chuckles, the sound low and mocking. "I wouldn't get too comfortable with the seating arrangement if I were you."

Before she can say more, Winter cuts in, her tone firm. "Let's just eat." There's a finality in her voice that dismisses any further conversation.

I take my seat and lower my gaze, not daring to meet their eyes. My fork moves aimlessly as I prod at my food, the clink of silverware the only sound in the silence.

The dining room feels colder now without Xavier and Lila. Questions swirl in my mind—where are they? What are they doing? The jealousy bubbles up, unwanted and sharp. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a shocking pang of longing strikes me. I miss Xavier, miss his presence, his control. It's a frightening admission, one that leaves me breathless.

I concentrate on my food, forcing myself to eat despite the knot in my throat. My bites feel labored, the taste muted against the cacophony of emotions warring within me. The fear, the confusion, the inexplicable desire—all collide, leaving me raw and exposed.

As I stand to leave after dinner, my heart throbs in my chest. The past few weeks settle over me like a shroud, thick and suffocating. I glance around the dining room, my eyes scanning the faces of the dolls. Sable’s smirk lingers, while Winter’s expression remains cold.

Before I can fully process the tension, Winter’s voice slices through the air.

“Everly,” she says, her tone commanding. “Xavier has ordered a session for you. I’ll be leading it, with Sable’s assistance.”

My stomach twists at her words. A session. With Winter and Sable? I grip the edge of the table. My mind races, searching for any reassurance, but there’s none to be found. I glance toward the doorway, half-expecting Xavier to appear and intervene. But he’s nowhere to be seen.

“And don’t think this is a punishment,” Winter adds, her voice lacing with thinly veiled amusement. “This is an opportunity. I don’t mince words, and Sable here doesn’t beat around the bush. But between the two of us, we’ll take good care of you.”

The thought barely registers before Sable’s laughter pierces through the tension, sharp and biting. “Oh, sugar,” she drawls, standing and sauntering over with a confident strut. “Winter’s just trying to save your ass. But don’t worry. We’re gonna have fun. Might even learn a thing or two about yourself.”

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