Page 21 of The Shadow King's Brother

I hesitate for a moment, then open it.

‘Doyou have time to meet? If you’re up for it…’

A lump risesin my throat, and I fight the urge to throw my phone across the room.

I want to pretend I never saw it, to hide in the silence between us.

Her message blurs as I stare at the screen, my fingers hovering over the keyboard.

I’m not ready. Not yet. I need more time. Finally, I start typing—slow, deliberate.

‘Things arehectic right now with the new office… swamped with work.’

I hit send,knowing it’s a weak excuse. She knows it, too. But we both pretend. It’s easier that way.

I stare at the screen. The silence stretches, but then my phone buzzes again.

What does she want?

I open the message, but it’s not my mother, it’s Elio.

‘I’ll see you later,love. Thanks for last night, it was—intense.’

Heat risesto my cheeks as I read his message, a small smile tugging at my lips. He always does this to me—a mix of butterflies and fire.

Last night, I glimpsed a new side of his darkness—raw, real, commanding. It stirs something deep inside me, a pull between pushing him away and holding him so tight he can never leave.

The thought of being that vulnerable, that open, that submissive—it’s both terrifying and thrilling.

If I’m being honest? I kind of loved it.

Shit. I’m in trouble.

I toss back the covers, the smooth silk sliding off my skin. Stretching, I feel the satisfying ache in my muscles—a lingering reminder of the night before. A soft yawn escapes, but my mind is already racing, sorting through the long list of things that need to be done.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet meet the cold marble floor. The icy touch sends a shiver up my spine. I push myself to my feet and head to the bathroom.

The shower is warm, water cascading down my skin. I linger under the spray, letting it soothe my muscles, the heat easing the tension in my neck and shoulders.

Pure bliss.

And I don’t want to leave.

After drying off, I get dressed and head to the kitchen. The rich scent of coffee fills the air—Mrs. Gambini’s early handiwork, no doubt. I smile at the thought of her, always one step ahead, taking care of the little things around the mansion. Despite everything she’s lost—her daughter, Don—she still manages to hold this house together.And God knows we need it.

Pulling out my phone, I type a quick message to Gio.

‘All good with Maria and Celeste?’

As I wait for a response,the unmistakable scent of burnt toast fills the air. I chuckle to myself. That’ll be Elio—he can barely make a sandwich without setting something on fire.

My phone buzzes.Gio’s reply:

‘Celeste is sleeping soundly.Everything’s good. Everyone is safe.’

My heart unclenches just a little.

‘Great,’I text back.‘Thank you.’

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