Page 59 of Crimson Fate

I pull back, my heart pounding in my chest, the taste of her lingering on my lips. Eva’s eyes flutter open, and for a moment, we simply gaze at each other, breathless.

But reality starts to seep back into my consciousness, reminding me of the world beyond this cocoon of desire.

“I need to be honest with you.”

“What is it?” I urge, my curiosity outweighing all other thoughts at the moment.

“I’ve been pretending for so long,” she admits, her lips parting just enough for me to glimpse the tip of her tongue as it wets them nervously. She giggles apprehensively. “I’ve wanted you since I was a teenager. You were my best friend’s brother, though. I always viewed you as off-limits.” Her hands clench at her sides, betraying the vulnerability behind her words.

Silence stretches between us for a moment, and I’m stunned, the shock hitting. I had no idea she was even remotely interested in me for all these years. But as she confesses her feelings, I don’t know how to tell her that kissing her was a huge mistake. A mistake because me being Amelia’s brother isn’t the problem. The problem I realized a moment too late is that I care too much to put her in danger, and that’s exactly what a relationship with me brings with it.

Gia was born into this life; she lives the threats that come with it every day. Eva, though, has a chance to find real happiness outside of our world.

I look down into her eyes—dark pools reflecting nothing but the truth of this moment. She wants me, and God help me, I want her too. “I don’t know what to say,” I reply honestly.

“Say you’ll make love to me tonight,” she whispers, a sly smile playing on her lips that promises a night of discovery and, possibly, ruinous pleasure.

My mind races, torn between the desire to give in to this intoxicating temptation and my instinct to protect her from the darkness that engulfs my life. The haunting memories of bloodshed and betrayal swirl in my thoughts, reminding me of the danger that lurks just beyond our reach.

“Eva,” I say softly, my voice laced with concern. “You have no idea what you’re asking for. This world I belong to... once you step into it, there’s no going back.”

Her eyes search mine, undeterred by my warning. “I’ve spent years crushing on you. I understand the risks.”

Fuck. I want her so bad my dick is aching. I let my fingers trail down her arm before reluctantly stepping away, putting space between us once again.

The silence between us feels charged, like the air before a storm. I can see the anticipation flickering in Eva’s eyes—hungry, expectant. The weight of her gaze is almost palpable, and something primal within me stirs.

“Go to bed,” I say, surprising even myself.

“What?” Eva asks, peering at me with a confused stare.

“I said, go to bed,” I repeat, my voice more insistent this time. “We need to both take the night to think about this before we do something that will change our relationship forever.” My eyes flicker toward the door, and I know if we don’t put some distance between ourselves, I won’t be able to resist Eva.

“I already know I won’t regret it, so I guess you’re the one who’s worried you might regret it,” she says, her tone resigned. Her fingertips linger on my arm for a moment before she forces herself to let go.

“It’s not like that,” I insist, wanting to show her how bad I want to fuck her by taking her right here on the kitchen counter. “I care too much about you for either of us to rush into this without giving it the thought it deserves.”

Eva shrugs, her eyes locked on mine, daring me to say otherwise. “Jesus Christ, Vincent, you were the one who kissed me!” she exclaims, turning to walk away, her hips swaying in a way that makes my heart race. “I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

I watch her go, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. I can feel the tension radiating from my body, and I question if I’m strong enough to make it through even a night before seeking her out.

As I listen to the sound of Eva moving into Amelia’s room, I silently remind myself that if I care about her, I won’t pull her into the same life that killed my real mother. I have to do everything in my power to shield her from this darkness, even if it means pushing her away.

Chapter Twenty-One

An hour passes, and despite an ice-cold shower, I’m lying in the darkness of my bedroom, staring up at the ceiling, failing to think of anything but my desire for Eva.

She’s my sister’s best friend and has been a fixture in our lives for as long as I can remember. She’s kind and beautiful and can connect and communicate with me in ways nobody in my life has ever been able to. I think somewhere in my mind, I knew I had feelings for Eva for a long time, even if I didn’t recognize what they were.

As much as I might desire her, I can’t shake the thought that Eva deserves a life without constant danger. One without the burden of worrying about the safety of her family.

I let out a frustrated groan as I turned over on my other side, punching my pillow, my mind tumbling with thoughts of Eva. What if she never wants to talk to me again after today? I need to get rid of this ache, this longing eating me up inside. But every time I close my eyes, I see her face, lips, smile, and the way her eyes light up when she’s around me. It’s as if her very essence is woven into my being, a part of me that cannot be extracted. Fuck. It’s almost as if I can smell her.

My eyes snap open, and I jerk upright. I can smell her. She stands next to my bed, looking down at me, not wearing a single fucking stitch of clothing. She looks like an angel, hovering next to me in the darkness. Her olive skin looks even darker in the dim room, and her eyes, like two ebony pools, swallow me whole. Her breath hitches, and her gaze rakes over my body, leaving me hard and wanting in an instant.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she murmurs, her voice hoarse with desire. “I had to see you.”

I swallow thickly, my eyes unable to look away from her soft curves. Before I can think about my actions, I reach out, cupping her hip in my hand, my thumbs brushing over her cool skin. “Fuck, you’re so beautiful,” I whisper, my voice heavy with longing.

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