Page 36 of The Fox

I feel her release the tension, a deep breath escaping her as she begins to sob into my shoulder.

“I know.”

CHAPTER 23

Amelia---The Levees Break

I love him.

I love him in a way that is as natural as breathing. He has become woven into the depths of my being, like the stars in the night sky. There is no me without him, no joy in this bleak existence I’d chosen.

I love him in a way that could get him killed. Us, killed.

And my heart doesn’t care. It wants him. For once in my life, I will my soul to decide selfishly. I yearn to throw every reason my head is screaming at me to stay away out the fucking window.

I love him, and I am enough.

I am dancing in the darkness, finally yielding to the pain I’ve carried despite it being so damn heavy.

As hard as I have tried, I can’t keep it contained. I can’t do it anymore, and I am so tired of being an island. I know that he will catch me should my steps falter. I know he’ll take my hand and keep the time.

Rhodes will keep me steady as the past wraps itself along my bones, its slim fingers tight across my soul, trying to lure me deeper into the oblivion.

CHAPTER 24

Duncan---Treading Water

An unknown number comes across my phone, sending my ringtone screaming into the night. There is only one person who should be calling me this late at night.

“Hello?” I pick up, confusion lacing my voice. I’m hoping it is Amelia, calling to say something she’d forgotten or ask what I wanted from The Morning Medusa in the morning.

“Is this Duncan Russo?” The voice is unfamiliar and my gut tightens, snakes curling in the pit.

“It is.”

“Mr. Russo, I regret to inform you that Miss Conte has been brought to the hospital. You’re listed as her emergency contact.” I sit up, the action waking Parker, and she rubs her eyes sleepily.

“Alive?” My breath catches in my throat, the balance of the whole world hanging on the answer.

“Just.”

Fuck.

CHAPTER 25

Parker---Nothing is Normal

Duncan leaps out of bed. I watch him feverishly dress, before leaning down to peck my lips. I assume he has business to handle, but I’d like more than a peck. As he begins to walk from me, I reach up, gripping his forearm so I can tug him back.

I bring Duncan’s face down to mine. “Come back to bed. Surely it can wait.” Brushing my nose against his, I softly kiss his lips once.

Lifting to my knees, the sheet fully pools around them, baring my breasts to him. My pussy is wet and needy. I rub my thighs together, trying to ease some of the ache. It’s been months since we’ve had sex, and I’m not afraid to admit that I miss it.I miss him.Wrapping my arms around his neck, I graze his lips with mine, giving a small nip before deepening our kiss. He wrenches from me. His whole body is wound tighter than a rattlesnake before striking, and I feel my stomach drop.

Something isn’t okay.

“What is it?” My eyes dart across his face, not liking what I see in those honeyed eyes.

“I have to go to St. Cecil’s. It’s Amelia.”

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