Page 95 of The Immortal's One
“Because, like Eshe said, your pulse spiked. And your cheeks are flushed,” Bella notes, tilting her head with a knowing smile. “Is Kevin the reason you want to go home? Are you two romantically involved?”
I swallow hard, fighting to keep my face neutral. “No. I want to go home because that’s where my life is. It has nothing to do with a guy.”
Not even one as incredible as Kevin.
“Are you?—”
“Good for you,” Eshe cuts Bella off, her dark eyes fixed on mine through the mirror.
Taken aback, I blink. “What?”
She lowers her hands, her expression serious. “I’m glad you’re sticking to your goal to return to your life. Despite everything. This life may be a dream to some, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
She’s said as much multiple times.
What happened to Eshe to make her so… unhappy?
“It isn’t a difficult decision for me,” I say quietly. “After all, I’m not destined for this life. Des has made that clear.”
Her eyes narrow. “No matter if you were destined for it or not, I’d advise you to think carefully before committing to anything anyone suggests.”
Bella laughs uneasily, trying to brush off her sister-in-law’s heavy words. “Don’t mind Eshe, Darcie. She’s always so grim.”
The two Immortals exchange a long, silent glance, their eyes locked in unspoken conversation. It’s intense. And heated. Seconds pass, stretching into what feels like minutes. Then, without another word, Eshe breaks the stare and steps back, her expression unreadable.
“I’m finished,” she says. “Please take care when removing the dress. I’d hate to have to start over.”
She spins, and the swish of her pants fills the silence as she walks out, leaving without a backward glance.
What wasthat?
Bella clears her throat. “Let me help you out of that dress.” She smiles, but I can tell Eshe’s words rattled her, too.
Before I can respond, there’s a knock at the door. My heartbeat falters as Des steps into the room.
“Des,” Bella greets smoothly, all evidence of her earlier unease disappearing in a flash.
I remain silent, lost in the sudden, sharp awareness of his presence that overwhelms me.
He’s dressed casually again—dark blue jeans and a fitted white V-neck that shows off his muscular build. His hair is windswept, much like it was when we spoke in the forest yesterday.
Was that really just yesterday?
Why does it feel like it’s been ages since I last saw him?
“What are you doing here?” Bella asks, more curious than alarmed.
“I need to speak to Darcie.” Hearing Des’s deep voice say my name makes my stomach flutter.
Don’t read into it.
Des is attractive. We’re pseudo-allies, for now. And his voiceisobjectively sexy. It’d be weird if I weren’t flustered hearing him say my name…
Right…
“Of course.” Bella’s voice rises an octave. She coughs. “Of course. I’ll leave you to it.”
I ignore the pointed look she shoots my way as she hurries out of the room. The door clicks shut behind her,leaving me alone with Des. My body electrifies with awareness.
