Page 24 of Darkness

“I see you’re still a little unsettled,” she offers as she steps in front of me. “Nycto told me he was concerned about you being bored in here on your own. So, I offered to help.”

“What, you’re going to babysit me?”

She giggles. “There’s that feisty attitude he was telling me about. No, I’m definitely not a babysitter. Just thought you might like something to pass the time. They’re not Fifty Shades, but they should wet your whistle.”

I tilt my head. “Sorry?”

“Some are your general everyday contemporary romances. I did throw a real spicy one in there for you, too, but I won’t tell you which one. You’ll have to read them to find out.” She grins as she hands me the four books along with a small reading lamp.

I reach out, taking them from her. “Why romance?”

She shrugs. “It’s all I have. Happily-ever-afters are so much nicer than real life anyway.”

“You’re telling me.” I scoff. “You don’t look like a book nerd.”

“I don’t look like a lot of things. You’ve heard that saying never judge a book by its cover? It applies to people, too, y’know.”

My eyes wander over her. She comes across as a deadbeat if I’m being honest. A gorgeous deadbeat, but still. Or maybe a hardcore rock-and-roll star. But a book lover, culinary master chef, and an all-around nice person? Yeah, I would never have picked it. I guess the saying is true.

“Thanks for the books. I appreciate it. And for the food.”

Trixie tilts her head toward the bed, and I nod. She sits. “You know, Eva, you’re a really strong woman.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. You’ve been dragged into this mess. It’s beyond your control. But you’re handling it well, all things considered.”

Letting out a long breath, I flop back on the bed and stare at the ceiling. “I don’t think I’m handling it well at all.”

“How do you mean?”

There’s something about Trixie I’m warming to. She’s like a friend I’ve known for years. Maybe it’s because she’s the second person I’ve seen since this all began, and I’m going stir-crazy, but for some innately stupid reason, I feel like I can open up to her. So, I do. “I broke down last night in front of Nycto. I’m not sure why, but he comforted me. I ended up falling asleep in his arms, and I’m pretty sure he fell asleep too. It was so damn comfortable. I didn’t mean to lose it the way I did, and I didn’t mean to turn to him for comfort. It just happened.”

Trixie narrows her eyes at me. “I feel like there’s a but…”

“But I woke up needing the bathroom, so I unhooked myself from him. Nycto woke as I was getting up, looking panicked. I told him I was only going to the bathroom, then he calmed down, so I went, but when I came back, he was walking out the door. He left… without saying even one word… and he hasn’t been back since. Damn, I feel like such an idiot.”

Trixie scrunches up her face. “You feel like an idiot? Why?”

“He stole me. He’s keeping me captive against my will. He let my sister be taken by and sold to the scum of the earth. Why the hell did I let my guard down around him? I must be going insane.”

Trixie grimaces as she turns, facing me a little more. “Thing is, Eva, I’ve known Nycto for a long time. I’ve never seen him act without giving a second thought. He always thinks things through twice. Is he reckless? Hell yes. Does he do stupid things? Always. But I’ve never seen him do anything like what he’s done with you.”

My stomach twists, and I sit up, facing her. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, he acted on instinct. He wanted to protect you, so he took you without thinking it through. Not even once, let alone twice. Nycto bends the rules all the time, he’s known for it, but blatantly breaking them means he’s done this for a reason. If he’s keeping you in here and not in a cell, you mean something to him. And Eva, if he held you in his arms, you’ve gotten under his skin. Nycto is not affectionate. With anyone. Ever. He couldn’t put that shit on for show if he tried. So, if you feel safe around him, you are safe. And if you feel a connection with him, I bet he’s feeling it too. I don’t know a single person alive who has captured Nycto’s attention the way you have.”

“He’s never had someone to share his life with?”

Trixie narrows her eyes as if considering the thought. “Not that I’m aware of. Sure, he’s had plenty of women by his side, but none who meant a damn thing to him. None he kept around longer than he deemed necessary. None he let sleep in his bed.”

“I don’t even know what he wants with me. Am I meant to stay here, trapped in this room, forever?”

“I get it. Nycto’s an asshole at the best of times. Coming into this situation the way you have is weird and unusual…” She raises an eyebrow. “I’d hate him too… but sometimes, the best relationships are formed under tense situations. Plus, the sex is off-the-charts hot.”

My eyes widen as I gasp. “We’re not having sex, and we’re definitely not forming a relationship.”

Trixie laughs. “Not yet.”

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