Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
I swallowed, trying to regain my composure.
"Tell me," I began, keeping my voice steady, though my heart raced. "How far does this reach? How much of my life... have you been involved in?"
He paused for a moment, the clink of the ice in the glass the only sound in the room as he processed my question. "I haven’t always known about you," he admitted slowly. "But when I did find out you existed, a few years ago... everything changed. I’ve spent every waking minute since preparing for your arrival on the Isle." His voice was smooth, but the intensity in his eyes betrayed him.
"This house, everything you see around you—it was all built for you. I made sure no other woman could claim we were together, that none of them mattered enough." He smirked, teasing me as his gaze roved over my face. "That one matters to you, doesn’t it?"
Without giving me a chance to respond, he continued, his tone deepening.
"And yes, I made sure you were always somewhere I could have eyes on you. That shitty apartment of yours aside." He chuckled, the sound dark and knowing. "But short of burning it to the ground, I knew you'd never buy the idea of moving into the manor I bought a few blocks from the resort."
My eyes widened. "You bought a house... near the resort?"
His grin grew wider, the playful malice in it unmistakable. "And now you know we have another vacation home." He took another sip of his drink and ran a hand through his dark hair. "When I tell you that you were always meant to be mine, it goes beyond the physical, Lolita. From the moment I learned of you, I made sure nothing could stand in the way of that."
He turned away and grabbed another glass, filling it with ice, the soft clinking sound echoing in the quiet room. His words, his revelations, swirled around my mind, tangling with the uncertainty of what I knew and what I still didn’t. We’re tied together by blood. That was the part I couldn’t shake. I swallowed hard, feeling the question rise in my throat, the one I’d been avoiding for so long.
"You told me we’re tied together by blood... but what does that mean?"
He glanced at me, his lips curling into a half-smile. He was enjoying the power he held over me, savoring the way he controlled the flow of information.
Without answering, he finished preparing the other drink and brought it to me, setting the glass down in front of me with a quiet clink.
"Drink this," he said softly.
"What is it?" I asked, my voice wary.
"It's called Elixir Obscura," he replied, his tone smooth and nonchalant. "A special blend from the Isle. Curated from our land, aged to perfection." He took the stool beside me, his presence overwhelming even in the stillness.
"Is it laced with anything?" I couldn’t help but ask.
He laughed, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Didn’t I tell you I’d warn you if I did that?" His hand grazed my arm, a casual touch that felt anything but innocent. "Taste it."
Hesitantly, I lifted the glass to my lips, the scent of the liquor sharp and rich. The first sip was smooth, the taste of honey and dark berries blending with a subtle hint of smoke.
It was surprisingly good, the warmth of the drink spreading through me almost immediately. I took another sip, the edges of my apprehension softening.
"You like it?" His voice was low, and smooth as he watched me, his gaze never leaving my face.
I nodded, a little surprised by how quickly I responded. "It's really good."
"I thought you would."
We sat together for a few moments, the warmth of the drink creating a strange sense of calm. My mind was moving more slowly now, and the questions I had been holding onto started to slip out, one by one.
"Is it because of... devil babies that Jamison doesn’t sleep with Cassandra?" I asked, the words sounding odd even to me.
Alexander made a muffled sound, then started to laugh, the kind of deep, genuine laugh that added to the warmth the drink was spreading through me.
"Devil babies?" He shook his head, still grinning. "Jamison is frequently fucking her. I’m sure you’ll see it at future gatherings."
I blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
He looked amused, as if I were missing some obvious point. "The services you’ve witnessed are just a small portion of our faith, deliciae." He leaned in slightly, his tone teasing but dark. "We are a very visual... and carnal religion. And we have the best parties."
I stared at him, completely at a loss for words. "You do that too?"
He chuckled again, the sound rich and dangerous. "Do you really want the answer to that?"
My brow furrowed, and he laughed again, affectionately. "Cassandra cannot have children. Normally, that would be grounds for her to be... respectfully removed." His tone remained casual, but I knew what he meant.