Page 26 of Midnight Whispers

I smile and sit at the table, where plates of pastries, fruit, and yogurt are on display. “Oh, I don’t know. You could definitely get your ten thousand steps in a day walking back and forth to the main kitchen every time you’re thirsty.”

He chuckles and sits beside me. “True enough. Is this okay for breakfast? I can have something else brought if you prefer.”

I wave off his concern. “This is perfect, thanks.”

“Coffee?” he asks, picking up a carafe.

“No, thanks. I don’t drink coffee.”

He looks momentarily stunned. “How can anyone not drink coffee first thing in the morning?”

I just smile and don’t bother telling him it’s because Louise always insisted on having a very expensive coffee imported, and therefore I was never permitted to have any, so I never got addicted like my stepsisters.

We eat in silence, but it doesn’t feel uncomfortable like I thought it might. No, like most things with this man, I’m entirely comfortable. Too comfortable even.

Eventually, he breaks the silence. “Now that you’ve had a good night’s sleep, I wondered… why do you feel as though you can’t go home?”

I expected this question. I suppose now is as good a time as any. I finish chewing my croissant and meet his gaze. “My dad died when I was fifteen, and that’s when everything changed. I’d always known that my stepmother didn’t care for me, even when my dad was alive. But somehow, he was happy with her, so I never said a word. I wanted him to be happy. There are images in my mind from after my mom died of my father’s devastation, so I was glad he found someone to make him smile again. But she never cared for me, nor did my stepsisters. Once Dad was gone, they were free to make it known how much they actually despised me.”

I blink back tears desperate to fall from talking about my dad. Nero squeezes my hand.

I sniffle and suck in a big breath. “Anyway, they’ve made my life a living hell for years, and I stuck around because I didn’t want to leave the only home I’d ever known. That place used to hold such good memories for me, you know? But my stepmom grew more and more demanding of my time, my money, my energy until I just broke. I lashed out at her a few days ago, and New Year’s Eve, that was it. Before I left for work I packed up what I could, knowing I couldn’t stay there any longer and texted her to tell her I’d never be coming back.” I shrug as though that’s all there is to say about the topic.

“You said he passed when you were fifteen. How old are you now?”

I give him a watery smile. “I’ll be twenty-five in a couple weeks.”

I’d never tell him, but I looked him up online after my lap dance. I already know he’s thirty-one.

“What day is your birthday?”

When I tell him, he nods.

“What’s your plan then?” he asks.

I guess I’ve overstayed my welcome. Panic grips me on where I’ll go, but I play it off with a shrug. He said one night. I agreed to one night. Now it’s time for me to leave.

“Not sure. I’ll figure something out.”

He takes my hand. “Stay here.”

I shake my head. “I’ve already taken advantage of your hospitality. You don’t even know me, yet you let me spend the night in your home.”

“But I want to know you. That’s what I’m saying. And I need to know that you’re okay and have somewhere safe to live.”

“Nero, I appreciate the offer?—”

“Please, Cinder. You have nowhere else to go, and as you can see, there’s plenty of space here.” When I don’t say anything, he adds, “Just until you’re back on your feet.”

“Nero, I don’t know…”

“Cinder, I’m not going to take no for an answer.” His voice is different. Usually, it’s deep and calm, reassuring. But now it’s as if he leaves no room for argument. He’s domineering and demanding, and I don’t hate it.

I nod. “Okay. Just until I figure something out.”

His entire countenance changes, and he relaxes back into his seat. “Good. I’m glad we have that squared away. Are you finished eating? I want to show you something.”

I pluck a grape off my plate and toss it in my mouth. “Yes, I’m stuffed.”

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