Page 263 of Chandelier Sin
My heartbeat was in sync with Eloise, but mine was like an echo of a shattered soul, a poignant reminder that she would always be a part of me, even as my soul felt lost in this wilderness of despair.
This love had the power to unravel the fabric of my existence.
Days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into a month that felt endless.
During all that time, we never saw each other. Eve distanced herself from me.
She appeared to bear the heavy cloak of widowhood, navigating her life with a stoic grace.
At first, upon our return from Bangkok, she and Eloise stayed here with me. I missed them both, having briefly glimpsed what life could be like for us.
That had been ripped away.
Eve’s sense of righteousness was considered in all that I did, all that I thought and felt.
I visited Pendulum during those weeks, hatching plans to see the rescue through, but I never saw Eve in all that time.
I fell into an abyss akin to madness.
If I wasn’t careful, paranoia would set in, and I’d end up back in Cameron’s chair.
I paced the floor in my living room, hating the idea of Eve being back inthatBeverly Glen manor. Even if Aemon was no longer there.
This view of the ocean had once offered solace, but now it only accentuated my solitude. I’d never minded being alone, until now.
At least Eve was able to secretly visit with Eloise, which was some comfort.
I was indebted to Cameron in a way that surpassed the ordinary boundaries of friendship. Our alliance was spun in a web woven with threads of obligation and eternal loyalty.
Waves of emotions crashed over me, making me feel like I was facing off with a tsunami every five seconds. I felt close to drowning, every thought leading me back toher.
Again, I reached for Eve’s scarf, breathing in her delicate perfume, embracing my intense feelings of love.
Her fragrance soothed my torrid soul. Caressing the soft silk, I recalled stroking her skin, igniting a kaleidoscope of sensations and soul-wrenching emotions deep within my heart.
This endless longing might be the end of me.
Our love.
Hers had cast a spell that bound my soul to hers in a dance of ecstasy. Being separated for this long was the cruelest torment.
Returning to my kitchen, I poured myself a glass of wine and sat at the center island to read some work emails, and a few personal ones, too.
Trying to calm my nerves, I sipped the white wine, resisting the urge to throw my glass in an act of rebellion.
I’d left not a trace of my presence in Bangkok but remained cautious.
Agony slithered through me over the fact I’d not stopped Aemon sooner.
I rarely lost my temper, a trait developed when keeping my cool meant life or death for a patient.
But this situation was pushing me to the brink.
The doorbell rang, and I hurried to open it, hoping it was Eve.
She’s come home.
Instead, I glumly accepted a package from the bored looking UPS guy, having no memory of ordering anything.
