Page 6 of Eternal

“Oh, I think you know the answer to that.”

I don't, I've been away for the past few years, I'm not well versed in the politics of this world. He probably knows everything about me though. Neither of us are willing to admit that though, which is fine. It’s how this world operates. I do know his father is an assassin, so I know Soren was trained for that as well. From what I’m told he went off and did his own thing. Built a business around security, Astor Enterprises. I’m fairly confident it’s a front just like every other company is. My father’s is a front for weapons dealing, Luca’s is for hitmen, and the list just goes on.

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.” Serena huffs as she reaches the door. Abe looms behind her, taking in the scene of Soren and I having a quiet conversation when his posture straightens, and he watches Soren with sharp hazel eyes. “What are you doing all the way up here?”

I sit up straight and feel guilty like I’ve been caught doing something wrong. “We were just talking.”

Serena approaches us, but Abe pulls her back as she gets closer to Soren. “He didn’t hurt you, right? Didn’t pull anything on you?” Serena whispers to me, not giving a care in the world if Soren is right here.

“Ouch,” Soren grins, pressing a hand to his chest like he’s been wounded. “I wouldn’t dare hurt her. If anything I saved her from an otherwise pretty dreadful conversation with Luca.”

“Luca Astor?” Serena turns her attention to me, her eyebrows knitting together.

“Yeah, his father. It got-- weird. Towards the end anyway.” I respond, standing to look up at her. Her once perfectly straight hair is now frizzy and messy, and her dress looks a little wrinkled. Abe's all black suit looks crumpled, and his tie is loosened now too. Some parts of his hair fall flat in comparison to his signature spiked up hair he arrived with. I smirk at her and Abe, making it obvious I am looking them up and down. “Care to tell me whereyouwere?” I ask, crossing my arms across my chest.

Serena looks stunned and her face turns red. “Oh, um, nowhere important. Anyway, we are ready to go. Come on.” She reaches forward to grab my hand and tug me along.

“Are you ready to go, Freya?” Soren’s asks, almost in a plea to not leave yet. Not just yet.

My gut and heart are telling me to stay, even if it is only for another twenty minutes. Soren's shown me he won't do anything so far. He's kept me company for most of the night anyway and saved me from Luca's terror. Not to mention, his shoulders slightly slumped when Serena told me it was time to go. Besides, if I pass up every opportunity to get past the shit I've dealt with, then I'll be in the same boat years from now. Lonely and broken.

I turned to him, caught in between the two of them. “I’d like to stay a little longer, but I wouldn't have a way home,” I say taking a step toward Serena.

“I can take you home. I drove here, and we can go whenever you’re ready. I’d like to spend more time getting to know you.”

Serena’s eyes widened. “Oh… that’s cool. We will see you at home, you still have the spare key, right?”

Abe opens his mouth to protest, but Serena clamps her hand over his mouth and shoots him daggers.

I giggle at their antics, “Yeah, I do. I’ll text you when I’m on my way, and knock when I’m home.”

Serena steps forward, pulling me into a hug. “Okay, please be safe. And I swear to god, Soren, if you hurt my sister, I will fucking torture you in a way you would be impressed.”

Soren becomes solemn. “I wouldn't, I promise.”

Serena turns on her heel and walks out, dragging Abe with her, who is protesting about leaving without me. She keeps reassuring him that I’ll be fine as they trail down the stairs. The party seems to be dying down, leaving Soren and I standing in awkward silence.

I’m sure by now, it’s obvious to Soren that I have been through some shit. Why else would he be threatened by two different people about my safety and well-being? Serena may have directly said it, but Abe’s body and eye contact with Soren screamed it.

“Shall we go down and get another drink?” Soren questions, holding a hand out to me.

Chapter two

Soren

Freyaisalluring. Intriguing. Dark.

Darker than she probably cares to acknowledge or even realizes, but it eases a part of my soul. Comforts and caresses the darkest parts of myself. Something no other woman has ever done before. I’m captivated. I want to know her. The truest version. Not this watered-down, secretive self, buther. The ugliest, most vile parts of her.

I’m elated when her head agrees and her delicate blonde hair bounces with each bob.

“Just one more round.” She confirms with a shy grin.

She stands, and I take in how gorgeous she looks in her dress. The way it drapes over her, seducing me to give in to her every whim.

I gesture for her to lead the way, and we start down the stairs. I can’t help but want to touch her. I want to run my tongue along her curves and take all of her in. I can’t stop myself from reaching a hand out to rest on her waist under the silky fabric of her dress that swoops down in such a teasing way. She jumps just slightly, but relaxes immediately, almost leaning into the touch.

It was a risky move knowing she’s been put through the wringer in terms of relationships. She’s been mistreated, well, more like abused, in more ways than I really care to know right now. I will do better. Treat her like she should be treated. But truly, I need to slow down, this is just our first night. I don’t want to scare her. I want to keep her safe, and tucked into my side for an eternity. Freya will never, I mean never, know what it feels like to have another man touch her like this. I’ll kill any motherfucker who dares to touch her. I suck in a breath as I attempt to gather myself and reel myself back in.

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