Page 79 of Their Offering

Lillian

Every day, at least for the past four or five weeks, the twins stayed home with me. Today was different.

At breakfast, while we sat at the kitchen bar, Aiden to my left and Nicholas to my right, they told me they had some pressing issues they needed to deal with at the office, but Ida would be over to keep me company.

I should have known something was up way before. The boys were dressed in black pants and button ups again, something I hadn’t seen them in since we’d gotten to Hell.

“More like spy on me,” I grumbled, unhappy they were ditching me, but more unhappy I was continually treated like a prisoner—locked up and babysat all the time.

“Lilly….” Nicholas pulled me in for a hug after he stood. I let him, but I didn’t hug him back. Dismay covered his face when he pulled away.

Aiden put his hand on my back. “I know you’re upset, little one, but…”

“But nothing,” I interrupted Aiden. “But nothing. I’m stuck here every single fucking day, and you guys don’t even care! I am bored out of my mind. I’m lonely. I’m tired of being here. I wanna goout. I wanna see Hell. I wanna meet people, demons, whatever.”

The twins stared at me with faces full of sympathy, and I felt like a small, weak child again.

“Stop looking at me like that,” I ground through my clenched teeth.

“Like what?” Nicholas asked, his forehead wrinkled.

“I don’t need your pity,” I said quietly, not dropping my distasteful tone.

“We aren’t pitying you, little one. We put you in this predicament, and we hate that things are difficult for you.” Aiden grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

I didn’t feel reassured. “So, make itnotdifficult for me. Take me with you, or take me out later. Just let me out of this flat, even just for an hour. Please. I’m going cr––”

“We can’t, baby,” Nicholas cut me off. “I wish we could, but we have to keep you safe. If anyone found out about you…” He stopped talking, casting a glance down at the floor, then looked back at me with an affectionate expression. “We can’t lose you, okay? Just give us more time. We’ll figure something out. You won’t be stuck here forever. I promise.”

I took a breath in, closed my eyes, then let it out. When I opened them, they were still staring at me. “Okay,” I said, giving up. I knew they were trying to protect me, and for good reason, but it didn’t mean I enjoyed being holed up. For now, though, I’d be a good girl and stay put.

“Thank you,” Nicholas said. “Everything will work out.”

“We’ll talk to Keir and see what we can do about getting you some fresh air, little one. Can’t have you losing your mind in here. I needallof you intact,” Aiden teased with a wink, making me smile, even though I fought it. “There’s my girl.”

My cheeks warmed. I hated being so responsive to him, even if my body loved it.

“Ida should be here soon. We’d stay until she got here, but we’re on a time crunch.” Nicholas took a step, closing the distance between us as he wrapped his arm around me. He tugged on my waist, bringing my body to his, and captured my mouth with his own.

My lips instantly parted, his tongue taking the invitation to dive in. His free hand came up to cup my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. I moaned into his mouth, and he chuckled into mine. I loved the way he kissed me so sweetly, so lovingly.

When he pulled away, I was breathless.

Before I could catch my breath, Aiden’s mouth was on mine. His hands grabbed the sides of my face, smooshing my cheeks and pulling me closer, though it wasn’t possible to be any closer. His kiss was harder than Nicholas’s, nearly painful but full of passion.

I am sure my lips would be swollen from the fierce kisses, but I liked knowing I’d be reminded of my princes while they were gone.

They finally left after several kisses later, promising they would hurry back as soon as they could get away.

When the elevator closed, I threw myself down on the couch with a huff. I had no idea how long Ida would be, but I sure as hell hoped she had something in mind to keep me occupied. I was tired of going through all the rooms, snooping and looking for answers, answers I still hadn’t found and was beginning to feel I’d never know.

Why did Keir avoid me? What did the twins mean when they said I wassomethingto Keir? Why had he started to open up, just to shut down and distance himself even more? Why wouldn’t they tell me things when I’d given up my entire life to be in Hell with them?

The elevator dinged, letting me know someone had arrived.

“Who’s ready to hang out with Ida the Incredible?” Ida sang out.

I stifled a laugh and sat up to greet her with a friendly smile. “Finally,” I harassed her. “I hope you have something fun in mind. I’m losing my motherfucking mind in this flat. I feel like a prisoner…in my own home! I’ve done everything there is to do here. I’m tired of playing board games, walking through the rooms, watching city life from the balcony, rearranging my room, learning to cook shit, watching tv, and everything else I’ve tried to ‘lessen the boredom’. I’m going to go crazy.” I threw my hands up. “No one cares that I feel trapped!” I added.

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