Page 87 of Petals and Fangs

“Do you, Ethan? Do you really mean that?”

“Of course, I do. Lily,” he brushes my cheeks with the tips of his cold fingers.

Something about the look in his eyes tells me not to worry. But also, something tells me that there is something more to it. I'm scared, but I'm also hopeful. And that's enough for me.

“Okay, Ethan. I trust you.”

“I know, Lily. Now, let's go upstairs. You'll be safer in my penthouse more than anywhere else in this damned city.”

“All right,” I agree, and the words are barely out of my mouth when he wraps his arms around me and pulls me in for a kiss.

His lips are soft and cold, but I think I am getting used to that. His body is strong and protective. I feel his love and his fear. But most of all, I feel his passion.

And I want nothing more than to be in his arms. Ethan's place is beautiful. Everything is clean, modern, and expensive. And it fits him perfectly. He's got a gorgeous view of the city and Central Park, and everything is so sleek and chic. His taste is impeccable, and his apartment is immaculate.

“Wow,” I scan the place around me.

“What's wrong?” he asks, but he firmly locks the door behind him.

“Nothing. I just never imagined that you lived in a place like this.” I shrug.

“Haven't you been here not so long ago, Lily?”

“I know. Very recently. But I didn't focus on the apartment. I had other things in mind.”

“So did I. Especially after all that tension between us,” he smirks at me.

“I figured.”

“Make yourself at home. Can I get you something?” he asks, his eyes never leaving mine.

“A glass of wine would be nice,” I answer, and he disappears into the kitchen.

The library is where I find myself drawn to. It's not a large space, but it is well stocked with books. Most are business books, and a few are fiction.

But the thing that surprises me the most is the number of classics that he has on his shelves.

“You have a lot of books,” I tell him when he returns.

“You're impressed, I can tell,” he answers, handing me a glass of wine.

“I am. But I didn't expect you to have this many books.”

“You've caught me. I'm an avid reader. My dad loved books too. He was the one who inspired me to start reading. And once I was hooked, I couldn't stop.”

“Ethan?” I say as I put down my glass. My eyes spot a large portrait of Ethan and his father on the wall by the fireplace.

“What is it, Lily?” his eyes are full of concern.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Your father. You don't talk about him much, do you?”

“No,” he answers, his voice barely audible.

“Can I ask why?”

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