Page 1 of All My Broken Pieces

Prologue

Arriana

Two years ago

I follow closely behind Killian, my mind wandering back to the boy we just murdered. I usually enjoy the thrill of the kill, something about the brutality of ending another person's life just gets me going, but this time was different. Instead of the usual high I got as his end approached, a heavy weight dragged me down.

I hate to admit it to myself, but I even sniffled a little as I watched Killian snap his neck. Not that I’d ever admit that to anyone else. I’d deny that shit and threaten anyone who dared toquestion me. But, in all honesty, there may have been a wayward tear or two I had to hastily wipe away.

Pushing aside the unwanted memory, I come to a stop behind Killian as he pushes the button for the elevator. After a few moments of stilted silence, the elevator doors slide open and we climb inside to begin the long journey up to his penthouse.

I had mentioned an interest in moving into the building a while ago and the ball’s in motion. Just waiting on a few more final pieces to fall into place and then it’ll be home sweet home for me and mine.

And by mine I mean my adorable little Sir Ichabod, my pride and joy.

Some people may think having a chinchilla is strange, but tothose peopleI say,what crawled up your ass and died?

I’ve been having to deal with such a judgmental person when it came to my application for my condo. Turns out fancy-schmansy places don’t immediately love non-exotic exotic pets, even if they’re totally legal to own in the great state of Washington. Not that Iownmy precious little Sir Ichabod, but that’s all semantics.

The elevator dings and opens up to the vast condo. I follow Killian out and notice his spitfire woman bouncing on her feet holding hands with another girl. My breath hitches as my eyes take in the beautiful stranger before me.

She’s dressed in an oversized sleep shirt, a simple geometric pattern along the front and back. The fabric falls just shy of her knees and my eyes zero in on the exposed flesh popping out with each leap.

Well I’ll be damned.

A smile spreads across my face, a renewed excitement builds as I get lost in her beauty. My grin fades when Killian storms toward the two, all but shouting, “What the fuck?”

The girls stop their giddy celebration and turn toward the imposing man stomping his way over.

I can’t help but roll my eyes.

The audacity of men. Always thinking they’re the most important person in the room.

I tune out most of the conversation between Killian and his angry woman, my focus centered on the beauty trying to make herself as small as possible.

Fiddling with the hem of her shirt dress, her ashy blonde hair falls forward, draping across her face. She slumps her shoulders, hunching just slightly. A small burst of my own anger flares that she feels the need to hide.

Funneling my rage into humor instead of a sharp stabby stab, I chuckle, “Oh, don’t mind him, he’s just grumpy because we got shot at.” I feel a wave of satisfaction as my simple statement only adds fuel to the flames of fury building between the two lovebirds.

Serves you right. Don’t you know it’s rude to fight in front of guests?

My eyes trail back to the beautiful nymph.

Especially visitors like her.

The “happy” couple continue their arguments, something about it not being a big dealblah blah blah. I tune them out until I hear a melodic sound that is going to take center stage in every dream and fantasy I have for the rest of time.

“Ava, I think I’m going to take off.” The otherworldly creature murmurs, keeping her gaze averted, even from her friend.

My eyes narrow as I watch the interaction.

Ava steps up and wraps her arms around the small woman, hugging her tightly and whispering something into her ear, earning a nod. They pull away and the beauty begins gathering her things. She turns toward the elevator, arm raised to slip on a jacket.

Her eyes meet mine and I forget how to breathe. My entire world becomes the two orbs holding me captive. An eternity nestled in the green spheres.

Ava steps between us, breaking the spell, and I have to fight against the urge to rip her throat out for the intrusion. “Fallon. Babe.” My teeth clench at the endearment leaving her lips.

I find my feet moving as I’m pulled by an invisible thread. Wanting her attention back on me, noneedingher entire focus, I call out, “Hey there, I’m Arriana.” I offer her a blinding smile as I close the distance.

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