Page 57 of Temporary Vows

Now, his little sister is sleeping in my bed.

And she owes me.

Once again, I’m at the crossroads most people find themselves in when they have to make serious decisions.

But the difference between them and me is, I have no moral compass. No conscience, no integrity, no line between right and wrong.

Everything is gray with me.

I live by my own rules.

So, I don’t do anything for free. Even when I can. Even when I should.

Like now.

Though, I have a feeling my little lamb would never accept a handout. Especially from me, the man who should be her villain.

A truly fucked-up idea crosses my mind on how she can pay me back.

And it actually brings a smile to my face.

Poor girl. She doesn’t realize yet she ran from one devil to the next.

Or maybe she does.

She’s always seen the darkness in me and never shied away from it.

Chapter 13

Elodie

Istir from a deep sleep, my body heavy as I roll onto my side.

For a few seconds, I lie still, waiting for awareness to return. Then I open my eyes slowly.

My gaze lands on thick silver-gray curtains covering the windows. Streaks of sunlight peek through the edges as if waiting for an invitation to come in.

I sit up and realize I’m wearing a T-shirt that isn’t mine. At the same time, memory hits, followed by a sharp ache in my chest and my face. But as the events of last night come rushing back, pain becomes the least of my worries.

Dorian.

I’m in his bed. In his home.

Levi brought me here. The Vale family doctor had been waiting for us before we even arrived. He inspected my injuries thoroughly and made sure nothing was seriously wrong before sending me to bed. Not even my own doctor, whom I’ve known all my life, has ever shown me that kind of care.

But then, he’d never needed to. Up until last night, I’d never required such keen attention.Checking my bones weren’t broken.

Checking my lungs hadn’t collapsed.

Checking my vision was still intact.

I still can’t believe what happened to me.

Marcus and his asshole henchmenbeatme. They actually beat me and threatened my life and my friend.

My breathing slows, and tears threaten to fall, but I squeeze my eyes shut for two heartbeats and force everything back.

I can’t cry now. God, if I start, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.