Page 25 of Midnight Whispers

“I’m sure. Speaking of New Year’s Eve.” I flip my wrist to check the time. “There’s only two minutes until midnight. We can ring in the New Year together.”

“Oh… okay,” she whispers.

Our eyes don’t stray from the other’s until I check my watch again.

“Five… four… three… two… one.” I bring my hand to her face and entwine it in her hair. “Happy New Year.” I bring my lips to hers even though I shouldn’t push her too fast.

But when our lips meet, it’s an instant inferno rather than a slow-building fire. I wrap my other arm around her waist, pulling her into my chest. She opens her mouth for me, and I finally get my first taste of her after months of wondering if it would be as good as I imagined. Fuck, it’s even better.

Our tongues tangle, and she cedes control to me, letting me lead. I deepen the kiss, and though I want my hands all over her body, I don’t want to push my luck. I need her to want to stay here for more than just tonight.

Eventually, I force myself to unwrap my arms from around her and close the kiss.

“Happy New Year,” I say.

“Happy New Year.”

What a perfect way to start the new year and put the shitty year behind me. Maybe it’s an omen that this year will be better than the last.

Chapter

Twelve

CINDER

When I wake up, it takes me a moment to remember where I am. I sit up in a big, cushy bed and take in all the opulence surrounding me. It makes the ache for home lessen.

It’s hard to think about my family estate, knowing I’ll never step foot in there again. But the good feelings about it have been fading over the years, replaced with shitty memories. I despise Louise and my stepsisters for stealing away my happy memories until they are mere whispers in the walls of my family home.

I still can’t believe Nero invited me to stay here. I knew the Voss family was rich of course, mega rich, and I’ve heard the stories, urban legends, but I never would have conjured up this manor in my mind.

I’m so used to being up early to get things done around the house that the sun is rising as I slide out of bed. Unsure what to do with myself, I shower and dress for the day. Since it would be weird for me to wander around the manor, I decide to hang out until Nero seeks me out.

I check my cell phone for any text messages, but there’s nothing. It’s early, but Louise must not have seen my message from last night telling her that I won’t ever be returning to the estate again. I wish I could see the look on her face when she realizes there’s going to be no one to do their bidding and hand them money every day.

It’s hard to stay still. I’m not accustomed to not having a list of tasks to accomplish, so I’m thankful when there’s a soft knock at the door.

I rush over and swing the door open. Nero is standing on the other side, dressed casually in a pair of black jeans and white T-shirt with a brown suede jacket over the top. His blue eyes dip down then back up, taking me in, and a shiver runs up my spine.

“Good morning,” I say with a smile and step back, inviting him inside.

“How’d you sleep last night?”

“Like the dead.”

I smile, but Nero’s eyes widen, and it takes him a moment to recover.

“Good. Are you hungry for breakfast? I thought we could eat together.”

I am hungry, and more than that, that idea of being able to sit and enjoy my breakfast, rather than shoving something in my mouth as I’m doing chores around the house, is even more appealing. My first hot home-cooked meal in… I have no idea how long.

“I’d like that.”

Nero leads me out into the wide hallway with high arching ceilings. Even though it’s morning, the space still has an oppressive feel. It doesn’t take long before he gestures for me to go through a door on his left.

Inside is a small—by Midnight Manor standards—kitchen with the basics. The far corner has a little breakfast nook with benches that have been upholstered in a rich red and black fabric and are surrounded by three intricate arched windows.

“I had this room renovated into a kitchen so I don’t have to hike to the main kitchen every time I want a snack or something to drink.”

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