Page 42 of Twisted Truths

But after seeing that side of Obsidian after what Brandon did, I almost couldn’t bring myself to put the candlesticks in my bag before I left the manor last night.

I don’t regret what happened in the car on the way home from the airport, even if it didn’t result in Obsidian taking me to bed once we arrived at Midnight Manor. I needed to feel in control, like I told him. And I didn’t want to put off my next sexual encounter with a man—for fear that my feelings about what Brandon did would fester inside me and I would find it too hard. I needed to get it out of the way and prove to myself that I could still be turned on, still see sex as something enjoyable.

What Brandon did still lurks in the back of my mind, like a warning about what some men are capable of. It’s not a lesson I’ll soon forget, but I don’t want to dwell on it. Don’t want to give him the power to affect my life in that way.

It’s hot out today, so I slip on my bikini to spend some time swimming and lounging by the pool. It has a purple triangle top with a teal green bottom, and I slide on the white oversized button-up I use as my cover-up, then leave my room. I’m sure to bring a bag with sunscreen, my phone and AirPods so I can listen to music, as well as a book.

It might be the height of summer outside, but the manor still feels dim inside, the bright sunshine not permeating past the heavy curtains or the thick glass in the Gothic windows. Everything here is more subdued. A prickle of awareness makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck—that has happened a few times since I arrived here.

It brings to mind the early morning I found Obsidian in the secret garden and the trail of sand that led me there. I’d forgotten about it with everything going on, but now I question whether I dreamed it or was sleepwalking or something. It feels so far from reality and everything that has happened since.

My skin heats as soon as I step into the sunshine. I slip my sunglasses from the top of my head over my eyes and walk across the patio over to one of the plush chaise loungers, then set my bag and cover-up on the table.

After I’ve applied my sunscreen, I decide to relax in the sun before I take a dip in the crystal-blue water. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the weather so nice since I started staying here. It’s as if a permanent cluster of clouds drapes itself over the manor. In the morning, tendrils of fog often dot the grounds. I want to enjoy the sun and water while I can.

My eyes drift closed behind my sunglasses, and I’m halfway to sleep when a throat clears next to me. My eyes snap open.

Marcel stands off to the side, hands behind his back. “I saw you out here. Wanted to see if you’d like a refreshment.”

“That’s so nice of you. Would you happen to have any lemonade?”

He nods. “Of course. I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks, Marcel.”

Now that I’m no longer half asleep, I realize how warm my skin is, and I decide to get into the water to cool off. I set my sunglasses on the table and step over to the edge of the pool.

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved the water. Didn’t matter if it was a pool, a lake, or the ocean. Even a river or a stream could keep me mildly content. My dad moved us around a lot, but I was always happiest when we lived near the water.

I dive in and tread water for a bit, enjoying the feel of the sun warming the top of my head. Then I lie on my back in the water and float with my eyes closed.

Growing bored, I decide to test myself to see if I can swim from one end of the oversized pool to the other without coming up for air. It’s a game Bastion and I used to play as kids. I swim over to the shallow end to start and count myself down from three in my head, then push off the wall.

I swim with all my might, eyes open under the water. When I approach the edge of the deep end, a shadow casts down in the pool.

Marcel must have returned with my lemonade.

I’m running out of breath, but I push myself and touch the wall, coming up out of the water sucking in a big breath, ready to thank Marcel for the drink once I have enough oxygen, but it’s not Marcel. It’s Obsidian.

“Oh.” I let go of the wall, treading water. “I thought you were Marcel.”

He frowns. “Why would you think that?”

“He’s getting me a drink.” Using both hands, I push up out of the pool as gracefully as I can.

Obsidian doesn’t step back to give me any extra room once I’m out. His gaze floats down my body, and I’m very aware that I’m practically naked in front of him. Sure, it’s a swimsuit, but he’s never seen me such minimal clothing.

My nipples pebble despite the stifling heat, and when his gaze tracks back up my body, it stops at my breasts. His nostrils flare and his hands twitch as though he wants to touch them.

“Is there a work emergency?” It’s all I can think to ask because why else would he be here? He very clearly regrets what happened in his car—both times. Which is funny since he was worried I would regret it.

“No, there’s no emergency.”

“What are you doing here then?”

He pushes his hand through his hair. “Can you put on a cover-up or something? You make it hard to think.”

My lips tilt into a smile. “Sure.”

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