Page 5 of Eternal

Warmth flows over me, his protective side starts to creep out again. And he isn’t wrong. So many people are watching, all just horrible people, looking for their next topic of gossip. It’s disgusting how bored everyone is, tearing everyone else apart is a favorite past time around here. Soren is a popular topic too, considering he’s the most attractive, wealthiest, and intriguing person in this room. It looks awfully suspicious we are going on our own on top of it.

Soren leaves the door open, allowing some noise to trickle in. It leaves me a little at ease knowing he doesn’t want methatalone with him.

“What made you decide to show up after all this time?” Soren is the first to break the silence.

I clear my throat, as I make myself comfortable in the armchair. “My sister begged me to show up. She didn’t want to be alone.”

“I think she’s doing just fine,” Soren says with a smirk.

I can’t help but mirror his smile, “What do you mean?”

“She was sneaking off with a security guard. Looked like he was pretty handsy with her.”

I blush, and quickly take a drink, hoping it’ll hide my red face. “Oh.”

“They like an item or something?” Soren starts to pry, but I decide to test him.

“Yeah, that’s her bodyguard and her boyfriend. No one knows about it though, just our family. They’ve been sworn into secrecy about it.”

Soren shrugs his shoulders, “I won’t share that information with anyone. I expect the same from you though. Anything we talk about isn’t to leave this room.” His eyes are sharp as if warning me. “Not that I think you’re the type to gossip. I’m just a very private person.” Soren adds on quickly.

“Yeah, not my cup of tea either to gossip. Serena on the other hand, she’s the one to watch out for. I understand how it feels to not have many secrets and to have everyone gossip about you.” I share with him, hoping I don’t come off as too vulnerable.

“I never formally introduced myself. I’m Soren Astor, by the way.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Freya Spencer.” I met his eyes again. My insides melt at his stare, and I feel like I’ve been sucker-punched.

“Such a beautiful name. It’s the Norse Goddess of love and beauty, which matches you perfectly.” A coy smile plays on his lips, and when he looks directly at me, I know this motherfucker is going to ruin me.

But I would gladly let him ruin me.

I blush and retake a drink. Not responding or playing into his flirtation anymore than that. Not that I’d be able to if I wanted to. He’s stolen my breath.

“So, you mentioned you were from Seattle. Why make the move there? Isn’t it super rainy and cold all the time?”

“It’s personal. But, yes it can be very rainy and cold. Like eighty percent of the time.” I laugh.

“I respect that. What do you do for work?” Soren responds with a shrug of his shoulders.

There aren’t enough words to explain how grateful I am to him to not pry. I wouldn’t be surprised if he heard the rumors surrounding me, yet here he is wanting to know about me.

“I work part-time at a local coffee shop in Seattle, but otherwise I’m trying to write a novel. I just haven’t began it yet.” I trail off. I shouldn’t be giving him this much information about myself, but I can’t help it. I want him to know the ugliest parts of myself so I can watch him walk away just like everyone else has in the past year.

“Why haven’t you? What’s stopping you?” He asks, his eyes examine my figure as he tries to read into my soul. Hell, I think he’s already touching it, coaxing me to come out of my shell just a little bit. I feel as though I can. Just a little bit. But those questions knock the wind out of me. I feel exposed like I’m as naked as the day I was born.

What’s stopping me?Such a personal yet bold question.

I let out a shaky breath before I’m interrupted, “You don’t have to answer if it’s too much.” He reassures me.

“No, it’s okay. Honestly, I think I’m still too stuck in the past. I will start eventually, but writing isn’t something you can force. Not good work anyway.”

Soren’s eyes are soft, but there’s a simmering rage in there. “It’ll come eventually.”

I take a sip, and look at him through my lashes, “What do you do for work?”

Soren laughs.

Fuck, his laugh is so beautiful.

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