Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 123065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 615(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 615(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
I remind myself, one last boring walk up the stairs before descending to the basement., to the end waiting for her in the river Styx. Wonderful. I almost sound bored about it. The last time I mentioned boredom Enki dropped off materials for knitting so maybe I’ll just keep it to myself this time.
She quietly walks behind me until we reach her room. I type in the code, the beep follows unlocking the door, but when I turn around she looks half asleep and anything but impressed. She walks in and takes a look around. “It’s bigger than I thought it would be, and you can’t even hear the noise downstairs.”
I snort out a laugh. “Yeah well, you’ve never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day here, don’t worry I’ll get you some noise canceling headphones.”
She licks her lips and offers me a small smile. “Well, I’ll probably be working anyway so I don’t mind.”
I force a cruel smile of my own. No. You’ll be dead. And why would anyone be excited about serving loud drunk customers who rarely tip and get angrier the drunker they get?
“I’m excited, and I appreciate it.” She holds out her hand. I know I shouldn’t just stare at it but she’s just so agreeable, I have to keep reminding myself she has no idea.
My purpose isn’t to save her.
Eventually, she’ll understand.
Eventually, she’ll know suffering.
Eventually, then, maybe I’ll know the peace of finally being home where I belong.
The two often go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other, just like good and evil, one must survive—thrive even—for the other to live.
She yawns and stretches her arms out a bit, revealing part of her stomach. Her breasts strain against her tight black sweatshirt. I tell my eyes to look away, but I’m suddenly fucking starving for a taste.
It’s been an eternity since I’ve had a small tempting taste.
My body responds instantly with images of taking her against the bed, the wall, against this leather seat, in every room in my home, screams of pleasure erupting from her lips.
A knife in my right hand, bracing her neck in the other while I take what’s owed—what will eventually be sacrificed.
I jerk my head away and realize I’m aroused. Seriously?
Well, that’s a first in a very long time.
“Do you live here too?” She asks dropping her hand like it wasn’t insulting that I didn’t touch hers.
“No.” I clip out. “I live on Queen Anne Hill, but I do sometimes stay the night if I’m tired.” Or working, but I leave that part out. “Your brother,” I bait her. “However, had a room here, would you like to see it?” Her eyes light up as I knew they would. “He left a lot of things here, I wouldn’t worry too much, like his friend,” Who doesn’t exist. “Said on the phone, he’s a free spirit who got invited to the dig and started wandering off, which he’s done numerous times before. He’ll be back soon.”
As long as she participates.
The sooner we get this over with the sooner she’ll see him—albeit briefly.
She walks after me, her pace fast as she tries to catch up with my long strides. “I would love to, maybe I can find a clue or something, I mean you probably know where he went, right?”
I don’t answer, I slowly walk off toward the door down the hall and type in the code for his room. “Actually, other than financing part of the dig they keep us in the dark. With the Egyptian festival being such a large draw for tourism, they like to keep a bit of mystery to reveal to everyone during the actual eclipse. Especially since there’s a rumor they found a rather unique relic that, by all historical standards, shouldn’t be here. Quite interesting, don’t you think?” I glance ack to gauge her reaction. Seeing her eyes sparkle with interest, I continue. “I have a very coveted collection of Egyptian Mythology books and a few artifacts. I was nominated by the Mayor to take part in an exhibit, so you see, I have quite the vested interest. I’m sure he will return with the others from the excavation site.” At the mention of her brother, her expression clouds, as if worried yet also annoyed. With a slight shake of her head, she meets my gaze.
“Actually, that’s pretty cool, I mean that your collection was chosen, I’d love to see it sometime.” Immediately her expression shifts. “I mean you barely know me so never mind—”
“Cleo?” I laugh. “You’re fine, I’m not offended. In fact I’ll be hosting a dinner party at my house tonight if you want to take a look beforehand? Or even after?”
She hesitates, damn it.
Too soon.
“Actually,” I snap my fingers. “I forgot, it’s next week, plus you’re probably exhausted.” I force a smile. “Now, the room.”