Page 13 of Reap the Night
I wanted nothing more than to melt against him, but I held my ground.You know it is. I can’t give you all of me.
Maybe I’m happy to take what little you can give.
There was longing in the depth of his dark eyes, longing, heat, and want. All the things that echoed the emotions inside me because Kaster had become my go-to place. My haven away from all the things that reminded me of what I’d lost and what had never been mine. Kaster was my guilty pleasure in a world where the rules kept my heart caged, and if I crossed the boundaries we’d set, then I risked losing this sanctuary because I could see myself falling for this male, and soon, what little I could give wouldn’t be enough.
Better never to step onto that road.
Kaster stroked my cheek with his fingertips.It’s all right, Orina. Understand that you’re in control, that I’m ready and willing to meet you at whichever boundary you set, and that I would never, ever cross it. But know that you can move that boundary whenever you want as many times as you want. I’ll be here…whatever it takes to keep you.
My heart swelled because I believed him. I trusted him. But…I didn’t trust myself.Thank you.
He kissed my forehead.Go shower but leave me some hot water.
I left him to pack up, grabbed my overnight bag, and headed to the bathroom. Maybe staying the night was a bad idea. I’d done it before, three times this week, in fact, but maybe tonight I should go back to the chapter house. But even as the thought entered my mind, I knew I wouldn’t because either Ordell or Hemlock would be at the chapter house. Reminders of a path that was no longer mine, a destiny that didn’t belong to me. It was pathetic that it still bothered me; after all, I hadn’t even known about it until three weeks ago, but it made my relationship with the two hunters feel like a lie, and I wasn’t entirely sure how to deal with that.
They had Ariella to worry about now. To watch over as she got closer to Ezekiel.
My chest ached at the thought of them together, but I shut it down and turned on the hot water.
Stepping into the spray, I allowed it to cleanse me of all redundant thoughts.
The carbonara wasrich and filled with flavor, and the garlic bread was crispy yet melted in my mouth. I ate with gusto, focused on the meal, and it was only when my stomach was full that I realized Kaster was watching me intently, wine glass in hand. He’d barely touched his food, moving it about his plate to make it look like he’d eaten more than he had.
Vampires didn’t need food to survive, but they enjoyed it nonetheless, so this, him sitting down to a meal with me, was more for company, to make me feel comfortable.
I wasn’t about to point it out and ruin his efforts.
It’s delicious. You’re an amazing cook.
Oh, don’t get too excited. This is one of four dishes that I can cook well.
Oh? And what are the others?
Scrambled eggs on toast, fillet steak, and chicken casserole.
Sounds good to me. I wiped my mouth with my napkin and sat back in my seat.I’m not a good cook. In fact, I try to avoid it at all costs.
Luckily for us there are plenty of restaurants in New Town, and most deliver. We can get something delicious every night.
We? He was talking as if I would be living here. With him. The thought created a knot of longing inside my stomach.
He watched me studiously. Orina, this apartment…I won’t always be staying here and…there are two bedrooms so?—
Don’t. Don’t say it.
I have to. I want you to have a key. I know you can’t live here full-time, but I want you to think of it as a second home to the chapter house. It’s close to your office and…it gives you some space.
Even though he didn’t know the truth about Loviator, Ezekiel, or Ariella, he must have picked up on the distance between the hunters and me. How easily I’d agreed to stay over at his apartment rather than head back to the chapter house.
Heck, I’d been here so much these past two weeks, I might as well move in, but that would give the wrong impression, not to mention as head of the chapter house, it was my duty to live there.
What was I doing?I can’t.
He sighed.Just take the key anyway. Please. I want you to consider this your sanctuary.
My eyes pricked. I stood abruptly and crossed to the window, where my reflection stared back at me from the inky night beyond.Why are you so…so fucking perfect?
Oh, I’m far from perfect, Orina. I’m a male with a long-term plan.He came up behind me, and my breath stalled.
