Page 62 of Manacled Hearts

“What do you mean she lives here? Since when?”

This is where she went after she left Katya’s? Not out of town? Goddamn it, I have so many questions, but judging from the look in Morrigan’s eyes, I’m already arousing suspicion.

“About a month ago. We took her in to help her out while she’s saving some money. How do you not know this?”

Yup—suspicion. I’m part of The Sanctum. If Evelyn and her sister were offered a home in the same building as Vincent’s wife, I should have technically been aware. Maddox should have said something. Though, Carter is the one I’m most disappointed in. He knows everything that moves, and yet this particular piece of information didn’t slip his tight lips.

You didn’t ask, you asshole.

“I guess… I tuned out,” I finally answer, avoiding the curious look in her eyes.

“Morrigan! Happy Birthday! Sorry, I’m late, I was adding the finishing touches,” Evelyn exclaims enthusiastically as she pulls the birthday girl into a tight hug.

My feet turn to lead and pin me in place. Though I’m not sure I would move even if I could. Her perfume whips by me, and once again I’m being buried in her wicked world filled with forbidden temptation. I’m back in the bar on her birthday, swaying against her body, my hand on her bare waist, hers on me, and all the thoughts I’ve been burying deep since the last time I saw her, hit me like a ton of bricks.

Fuck. If just her scent does this to me, what will her touch do?

I can’t take my eyes off of her. Her soft, olive skin seems to glow in this light, and I curse that oversized cardigan for covering so much of her. I curse the T-shirt she’s wearing even more, because she would look so much fucking better if she were wearing mine.

Oh my god, stop it!

“You remember Finnigan Hennessey?”

My gaze whips to Morrigan when I hear my name.

“Hi,” Evelyn says with such bite in that word, the teeth scrape against a part of my soul I thought didn’t exist anymore.

I’m confused. My breathing turns to short heaves, my heart begins to pound erratically in my chest. What is happening?

“Hello,” I manage to say before prying my feet away from this spot I’ve been stuck in, and get the fuck away from this witch.

I don’t dare turn to check their reactions—or their possible shock at my strange one. All I know is that I need to be as far away as possible from Evelyn. My steps follow every second beat of my heart, the heaviness of them seemingly crushing any intention I had but a second ago.

I stop at the far wall by the kitchen counter and look toward the door that could take me to my freedom. Away from the woman who wrapped a goddamn noose around the hollowness left in my soul years ago. Yet, I don’t move any farther. I can’t.

Turning around slowly, I catch the exact moment she shifts away from Morrigan and heads toward Maddox who carries a huge, tall box. Probably a present. As if she can sense my eyes on her, she turns and hers land straight on mine. They don’t stop on any other person, neither an object—but straight on me. I would fall on my ass if this counter wasn’t holding me steady, because what I see in her gaze is made of pure silver flames, cold and searing at the same time—a challenge.

Yup… I’m fucked.

CHAPTER 14

EVELYN

“You are going to be the death of my hips. And belly. And… mmm damn.” Morrigan groans as she takes another bite of the coffee and walnut cake I finished baking with Mamaw June. She loved the birthday cake I made for her a few days ago, so I’m not surprised.

“I’m not complaining.” Vincent walks into the kitchen, giving his wife a once over, and pausing suggestively over her ass.

“You know I’m here, right?” his mom asks rhetorically, even as her focus is on the dishes she’s currently washing.

“We need to find her a man to focus on so she can stop judging us,” he whispers to Morrigan, and I choke on the sip of iced tea.

“For god’s sake, I’m too old for that.”

“Old?!” her daughter-in-law exclaims. “You’re not even sixty yet. I’m sure we can find you a good man to keep you busy.”

“I have Maya keeping me exactly as busy as I want to be. And she’s more worth it than any man. No offense, son.” June shrugs at Vincent currently scowling at her.

But his gaze softens when he turns to his wife, as if he’s reminded of why there’s truth in his mother’s words.

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