The bathing chamber glowed with soft light from the candles. A grand oval tub sat at the center, where I was dipped, with my knees to my chest. The crystal chandelier hung high on the painted ceiling, offering more lighting to the place.
I kept my distant gaze on the archway, where a plush chair rested near the windows, frad with heavy curtains.
The water was getting cold, and I was yet to co out of it. I was ntally stuck on what happened tonight.
I fell into whatever twisted trap Damon had set. He was the one who sent the gift, and the card too. He had mimicked Drevon’s handwriting to get to believe it was his.
I’m fuming internally, raging at the idea I had waltzed into his web. I knew sothing was wrong, but I was too consud by the idea of staying by Drevon’s side. My greediness had left coiled in soone else’s palm, and I hated it.
I hated everything that’d transpired tonight, and more so, I’m terrified by what I’d witnessed, the side of Drevon I had never seen.
My encounter with the Dowager, Damon, even the attack, didn’t amount to how my bones chilled. It was a glimpse of sothing, and yet I was scarred by it.
My daydream has turned into a nightmare. Maybe it has always been a nightmare.
I gripped my hands tightly, curling myself more...just to feel okay, but I wasn’t.
At the sudden sound of footsteps, I flinched. I lifted my eyes to Drevon, standing at the doorway and watching with a soft expression.
I said nothing to him. Our gazes just locked in minutes until Drevon broke the spell and walked to the dresser, carefully, like any reaction from would urge him to go stand back at the doorway.
But all I did was just eye him as he grabbed my silk dressing gown near the tall arched mirror frad in gold, that stood above a vanity table.
His footsteps resonated as he strode to , and that was when I reacted, the water rippling slightly.
Drevon ca to an abrupt stop; another few minutes passed before he resud. "You’ll get cold, little wife, it’s ti to co out."
My heartbeat spiked at the sound of his deep, masculine voice. I tried to think of the warmth that laced them, but all I could hear was that soulless tone he used at the ball.
Mustering all the courage I could find, I unwrapped my arms and forced myself to my feet, giving my back. Dipping my hands into the sleeves, Drevon helped push the silk to cover my body.
I clutched the straps and tied a knot, before turning back to him, he offered his hand.
I stared at it, and suddenly it was like the first ti he gave his hand to lead to breakfast when we travelled.
I lifted my shaky hand and placed it on his, holding my breath. He clutched it gently and helped out of the tub.
I wanted to take my hand away, but he had held it captive. I thought of ways to break this lock, but my brain couldn’t co up with any ideas.
I tensed when he placed a hand beneath my chin and raised it so that I could look at him. The softened look I have ever seen doused his eyes, his eyebrow furrowing, and a part of lted, and the other wondered if this expression was even real.
Which was the real Drevon? Was the one standing before with a look like I held his entire world in his hands, or the one who spoke in a lifeless tone without a hint of emotion on his face?
"Eloise?"
Were the stories about him true after all?
"I’m sorry you had to experience such an awful night," he murmured softly. "I never ant to scare you."
Was I perhaps manipulated to think he was anything but the beast I feared I married? Or was I a stupid girl who thought she could daydream to escape her nightmare?
"Tell ..." I began in a faint tone. "I truly want to know and understand. Will you tell ?"
"Anything."
"Were your actions simply those of a jealous husband or your true self?"
"Eloise..." He leaned close, but I took a step back, away from his touch.
The silence was loud.
A hurtful expression crossed his gaze, and a tightening sensation gripped my chest.
"Am I being silly for asking?"
"No." He shook his head. "You’re not."
Good. This ant I wasn’t overthinking what I saw.
Drevon’s jaw clenched hard, but he spoke anyway. "Those were the actions of a jealous husband and a part I never wanted you to see."
"Then the fault lies with ." I leveled my gaze, pinching my nails together. "I was so caught up by my daydream that I forgot I was in a living nightmare."
"I don’t want you to be afraid of ," he said, closing the distance between us.
I tried to keep the space, but my back t the cold wall, and Drevon trapped , his hand pressed against the wall to keep from escaping.
"That look in your eyes wounds deeply," he confessed, sadness in his gaze. "I’d never do anything to hurt you."
I knew he wouldn’t. I believed that with all my heart, but the reality of everything was finally slipping in.
I’d fallen in love with an idea of him. The one laced with gentleness and sweetness, molten crimson eyes filled with emotions, and caresses that flipped the earth around .
Drevon cupped my cheek, and kissed softly, his mouth hungrily roaming mine.
But when I didn’t attempt to return it, he stopped, his lips brushing against mine as his hot breath prickled on my face.
"It’s not cheat day." That was all I said as I breezed past him and left the bathing chambers.
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