Page 118 of Bound
Setting her away from me, I stare down at her. “Maybe not,” I admit. “But you have made Ruin happier than I have ever seen him. And I can never thank you.”
Her smile is watery. “I love him, Gage.” One hand scrubs at her eyes. “It’s so stupid. Realizing it now.” She looks up at the ceiling. “God, I hate crying.”
My lips quirk. “Go tell him.”
She peers at me fast.
I urge her around the bar. “Don’t wait. You were right. Every minute is precious. Important. You should tell him.”
Another tear rolls down her face and she smiles back. “I think I will.” A flush stains her cheeks before she leans over and kisses my jaw. When she pulls back, I can only stare. “Thanks, Gage.” With a burst of vampire speed, she flits off.
Chuckling under my breath, I turn toward the massive doors leading to the manor itself. I start toward the stairs, fire coursing through my veins.
She’s right.
Every moment is too important to waste.
I break into a jog and force the doors wide before barreling through them out into the manor. The ceiling is dark with the hour, and even Wilfred is nowhere in sight.
Slipping down the guest hall, I make for Amoret’s door.
I knock, but there is no answer.
Pressing inward on the doorknob, I open the panel and peer inside.
The room is clean, the bed made. Even the doors to the garden are shut, curtains drawn in place. There is no sign of Amoret. Of her clothes or even her scent.
The space smells like fresh laundry, no hint of rose or orange anywhere.
My heart slams. I step into the chamber and check the bathroom and even outside. But she’s nowhere to be found.
Lead fills my legs and I drop onto the edge of the massive bed. My hands clench into the bedspread. The one I can still see under Amoret’s beautiful hair.
It seems she didn’t wish to remain in here.
And after how I turned my back on her, who can blame her?
The faint scent of smoke fills my nose and I climb to my feet and walk to the door.
My eyes land once more on the bed. The one with twin scorch marks in the comforter.
I close the door, unable to bear the sight any longer.
