Page 95 of Tainted Ties

I stared at her blankly, waiting for an explanation as she fanned the black cloth in my face.

“For the surprise. Wouldn’t want to spoil it.”

Taking it from her, I wrapped it around my eyes. “Care to give me a hint?”

“Nope.”

The car rumbled to life, the vibration humming beneath me.

The drive was long, each passing minute more excruciating than the last.

Aurora’s energy radiated off her in waves and it was palpable. If I reached out, I could grasp it between my fingers.

Every harsh inhale and exhale of her breathing sent my own pulse to thump heavily, and I didn’t even think she noticed that she was doing it.

When the car slowed and crunched beneath gravel, curiosity swarmed in my mind once again.

“Are we here?”

The ignition cut off, the silence stretching between us.

She exhaled sharply. “We are.”

“Why don’t you sound excited,anima mia? Tell me what’s bothering you and I’ll fix it.”Just tell me.

“I’m afraid you won’t like it.”

I chuckled because even if the surprise were a piece of charcoal, I would cherish it.

Reaching to snatch off the blindfold, I felt her soft hand rest on mine. “Not yet.”

The sound of the car door opening and closing permeated, leaving me alone in the suffocating stillness. Then, the light summer breeze drifted in, feathering along my face as the door to my right opened.

Knowing my footing, I stepped out, colliding into her.

“Woah, there,” she giggled, holding me by my biceps to steady herself.

The sound lulled my unwelcome thoughts, a calming melody I longed to hear when it was gone.

Even with my eyes covered, every inch of her being was etched into memory. Her every emotion radiated off her deep into my chest and right now, it tore me apart, limb by limb.

“I love you.” It was a promise, a plead, and forever.

Instead of returning the sentiment, Aurora’s breath skated across my mouth, her enchanting essence enveloping my senses.

She planted her lips firmly on mine, her hands cupping my face as if it were the last time she would do it.

One fleeting kiss.

It was only when she pulled back that I tasted the salty liquid on my lips—her tears.

Fuck this.

I slipped off the blindfold, slowly turning and taking in my surroundings.

We were standing in the middle of an abandoned warehouse, the silence eerie, chilling the beginning of my splintered heart.

“Aurora?”

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