Page 133 of Bite Marks & Broken Hearts

“That’s my— That’s my private diary!”

Heat exploded across my cheeks.Fuck fuck fuck.

Damage control, damage control!“I’m so sorry. The door was open and I was looking for you and—” I gestured helplessly at the fallen book. “I shouldn’t have read it. I know I shouldn’t have.”

Seb’s gaze dropped to the diary, then back to me.

“How much did you…?”

I swallowed hard. “I didn’t quite finish it.”

A peculiar expression crossed his face—somewhere between mortification and resignation. He ran a fraught hand through his dark curls. “Well. I suppose that’s…” He trailed off, then bent to retrieve the diary. “I prefer to keep my thoughts private.”

“I really am sorry.” I took a step toward him. “If it helps, what you wrote was beautiful.”

Seb’s shoulders tensed. “Flynn—”

“Especially the bit about my pyjamas—”

“Please stop.” Though there was a hint of amusement breaking through his stern expression. “This is already excruciating enough.”

“You know, I thought you might not be over James yet,” I said softly. “I accidentally saw his social media file in Felix’s lair. You know, those updates you get him to print monthly.”

Seb grimaced. “I ought to tell Felix to stop that now. It’s… inappropriate.”

“No,” I said quickly, even as jealousy twisted in my gut. “If it helps you, then it’s a good idea. It’s sweet you still want to know. That you care.”

Seb’s gaze bored into me. “I think that chapter of my life has long since closed.” He took a step closer. “I loved him dearly. But I’ve spent twenty years stuck in the past, and now…” He paused, something vulnerable flickering across his face. “Now I find myself wanting to turn the page.”

He took both of my hands in his, pressing his lips first to one, then the other. My burnt hand, now free of bandages, tingled at the contact.

“But I know I’m going to die tomorrow!” The words burst out of me.

Way to kill the vibe, Flynn.

Seb’s brow furrowed. “We never told you an exact date.”

I glared at him. “I’m not stupid. You’ve all been referring to Halloween as if it’s some kind of deadline. As if my time will run out.” My fingers drifted to my chest, to that spot of permanent ice that had taken root there. “And I can feel it. I can feel it killing me.” My voice trembled. “I’ve been trying to ignore it, but… I’m so cold. So damned cold. And—”

Seb pressed a finger to my lips to silence me as a shiver racked my body, then drew me against him, arms wrapping around me. For once, his cool temperature felt warm compared to the frost spreading through my veins.

“Flynn, I came to find you to tell you the good news. Vale’s agreed to the exchange.”

The words hit me like a wave breaking against a seawall, the meaning taking time to seep through.

“You… what?” I whispered, my world tilting on its axis. The constant dread that had become as familiar as breathing suddenly felt less absolute, less crushing.

“Tomorrow morning. Even if Damien doesn’t tell us who he’s working for, we’re confident killing him will immediately release your affliction. The dark magic is tied to his life force.”

My knees buckled. If Seb hadn’t been holding me, I’d have crumpled to the floor right there, the weeks of carefully suppressed terror finally catching up with me.

“I’m not going to die?” The words came out small and broken, like a child seeking reassurance after a nightmare.

Seb’s lips brushed my forehead, impossibly gentle. “Not if I have any say in it.” His arms tightened around me for a moment before he pulled back, clearing his throat. “But we’re not going to talk of such matters right now.”

I blinked up at him, thrown by the sudden shift in his demeanor. He looked almost… nervous?

“I’ve got a surprise for you.”

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