Page 82 of Cross the Line
Even though I already know I’m not getting the coffee stains out of the delicate wool, I’m angry and frustrated enough to keep trying. My mind replays the conversation with Ryker—the photo, his words, that smarmy sneer when he spoke of Elijah…
You think I’m the liar.
Is that what pretty Eli told you?
I warned him, and he didn’t fucking listen.
So he had it coming… ask Presley.
I look in the mirror, adjusting my stained dress. Like every time I think of him, I find my gaze in the reflection and cringe.
Whoever said the eyes are the window to the soul was right. When I look into mine, I see it—the shadow of the glacial wickedness in my twin brother’s stare.
Presley.
I suck in a sharp breath, trying to calm the churn in my gut.
Nothing good ever comes from him. If the devil had a physical form, I believe it would be him.
That’s how I know—how I’m certain—that whatever Ryker was referring to, whatever he and Presley did to Elijah, it’s not just bad.
It’s monstrous.
And I don’t care how long it takes. I’m going to find out what it is.
CHAPTER 23
ELIJAH
Today’s session with Connie was brutal. The late night and early morning left my head sludgy. Training almost killed me. Following it up with an hour of talking about my parents—my father and his ministry, in particular—has me ready to pass the fuck out the second I arrive home.
I pause halfway to my door. The stillness and quiet waiting for me in my apartment appeal to my whirring mind. However, the wrench in my chest and gut pulls me to Jayden’s door instead. I can’t fight it when my feet plant on his Goonies doormat with a bright yellowHey you guys!and a portrait of Sloth that makes me chuckle.
It’s an accurate portrait of my mind right now.
My hand is halfway to the doorbell when the door swings open and Jayden leans into the doorjamb. A grin tugs at the corner of his mouth as he holds his copy ofDorian Grayopen on his chest.
“I was about to ring the doorbell.”
Jayden chuckles. “And I got bored of waiting for you to do it.”
“Somebody needs to learn patience,” I tease when he grasps my forearm and pulls me through the door.
Even though it’s still light outside, the curtains are closed, and the glimmer of the Christmas tree lights warms the living area as I trudge through the apartment. Dropping my gym bag on the floor, I perch on a stool at the breakfast bar.
“Is everything okay?” JJ whispers, slowly sinking onto the stool next to mine. “Are you feeling all right?”
I take a moment to think through my reply. It kills me to lie to him,but the truth doesn’t feel like an option right now. It’s complicated and winding, and I don’t want to bring my shit into his place.
It’s peaceful here. I can leave my demons at the door and breathe.
“Eli…”
“It’s been a long day.”
“Okay.” Jayden nods and pushes to his feet.
I watch him prepare a small teapot with loose leaves while the electric kettle boils. Placing the hive-shaped honey pot on the counter, along with an empty, holly-decorated cup in front of me, he tops up the teapot with boiling water and comes back to sit beside me. It’s obvious he’s purposefully holding back. The tension locking his body in place is palpable.
