Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
“Lucian...”
“Are you not mine anymore, Winter?”
Swallowing the sudden lump in my throat, I responded, “I'll always be your friend, Lucian. Even if you did vanish and leave me without so much as a fuck you. But things are different now. We've grown. Changed.” My eyes traced over him, taking in the solid, muscular form that his outfit did little to hide.
The tattoos peeking out from beneath his collar spoke of stories and experiences I wasn’t privy to. He'd transitioned from an adorable, nerdy kid to a man who would make any woman go a little bit feral. Me included. The glances he received while we were dancing didn't slip past my notice, and a tinge of jealousy began to rear its head, as if he belonged solely to me.
“You went from a Sandlot kid to this.” I gestured vaguely at him, from head to toe. “You’re…” I trailed off, at a loss for words.
He grinned, showing off his perfect white teeth. “Is Winter Astor speechless? That's gotta be a first.”
“Shut up.” I playfully swatted his chest, feigning annoyance, but unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips.
He leaned closer. “Not everything’s changed.” A momentary silence hung between us, filled by the crooning vocals of Sting. “Or maybe it has changed, because now… now, I feel. I feel too much.”
I swallowed, unsure how to reply to that, or if I should. Before I could gather my thoughts, Lucian stepped away, maintaining a loose but firm grip on my hand as he guided me through the crowd and back to the table. The closeness and warmth from moments ago began to dissipate, replaced by the festivities around us.
I turned my head, trying to spot Liam once more, but he had vanished into the crowd, leaving only the pulsating energy of the bar's patrons. I noticed the distance between Mara and Thorne had decreased considerably. Their heads were tilted toward each other, engaged in what seemed to be a deep conversation punctuated by bouts of laughter. As we reached the table, Mara broke their connection and glanced at her cellphone.
“Last calls in a few. We should probably start heading out.”
Thorne, seizing the moment, pitched in. “Why don't you both come back with us? We've got a room at the Evergreen. It's not far from here.”
Mara shot me a questioning look as if seeking my permission. Still caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions from my dance with Lucian and seeing Liam, I was momentarily disoriented.
Lucian leaned down, his lips almost brushing against my ear again. “Up for a little more adventure? I’ll make it worth your while.”
I turned my head and met his arresting stare, the memories of our past, the pain of his sudden disappearance, and the undeniable chemistry of our reunion swirling inside me. I wasn't ready to end the night, to let him slip away once more. I still had so many questions.
“Promise?” I teased.
He grinned in return. “Only one way to find out.”
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. “All right, let's do it.”
Lucian’s answering smile hinted at secrets yet to be revealed. As Thorne and Mara exchanged a loaded glance, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were heading into uncharted territory.
CHAPTER TWO
The brisk wind greeted us as we exited the bar. The moon, nearly full, cast its silvery light on the streets, and the sounds of distant laughter reminded us that it was Halloween. Groups of costumed revelers passed by, making their way to various after-parties now that the bars were shutting down.
“Did you two drive?” Lucian’s voice cut through the crisp night air.
Mara shook her head, causing her long, inky black hair to catch in the breeze. “We took a rideshare. Thought it best, especially tonight. Last thing we need is a DUI.”
“Smart.” Thorne nodded approvingly.
We crossed the street and set off through the Townsquare. Old brick buildings, strung with orange and purple fairy lights, framed the cobblestone streets. In the center stood a fountain, currently turned off but surrounded by pumpkins and hay bales.
I’d seen the fountain more than a dozen times and still didn’t understand the symbolism of it. The center was a lifelike bronze statue of a hooded figure, one arm outstretched, holding an ornate lantern that, during the nighttime, glowed with an eerie, soft blue light. The face of the figure was always hidden, regardless of the angle or how light hit it.
Mara shot Lucian and Thorne a curious glance as we walked. “So, what really brought you two to Ravenswood?” she asked. Her voice held a playful note, but I could tell she genuinely wanted to know.
Thorne shared a knowing look with Lucian before answering. “Oh, just some unfinished business.”
Mara's forehead creased. “That sounds rather cryptic. Lucian, I can understand, but you aren’t from here.”
“Who said I wasn’t from here?”
She looked at me for confirmation.