Page 45 of Pieces of Halves

With everything happening with Sofia and Izzy’s father, this is a good distraction. For a moment, I forget that my mother abandoned me, that something is not right with my power, and that there is a vampire king who is relentless about taking the woman I love.

Rosie is like a sister to me. There is no option in this life or the next where I am not the godfather.

Izzy and I walk down the long hall, sunlight warming my skin through the windows. Knowing that my mother is here is eating at me. I need those answers, but I have no desire to speak to her. Based on the brief conversation we already had, she won’t be talking willingly. I need Jorgan to torture her a bit before I can question her.

“You keep looking up at me.” I glance down at Izzy.

She’s been silently eyeing me since we left the underground room.

“You are hurting,” she says, her voice tender. “I don’t know how to help.”

I stop and pull her into my arms, leaning us against the wall of windows. With a soft gasp, she falls on my chest and gazes up at me. If only she knew how much her smile means; how much her words calm me, and how much her touch heals.

“I am angry more than in pain,” I whisper, running a finger along her cheek. “You didn’t run from me when I wanted to murder her. I know I looked terrifying. Instead, you ran into my arms. That means more than you know.”

I was certain the sight of me in a state like that would push her away.

“You would never hurt me.” She slides her arms around my neck and presses her lips against mine.

It is slow and delicate, chasing away the blackness. I close my eyes, getting lost in her. My arms tighten around her waist as I bring her closer. Our lips move together, and I forget about Sofia. It is just me and Izzy. Her sweet smile and her delicatetouch fill my life. With my forehead against hers, we part, and I exhale.

“I’m sorry that your mother left you. I never will. I am too clingy for that.” Smiling awkwardly, she rubs her fingers against my neck.

I have never found her clingy or needy like she so frequently claims to be. In fact, I love the fact that she wants the attention. Her need for me is what lifts my soul.

“I love your possessiveness.” My grin is slow and wicked.

“I’m not possessive.” She chuckles, pink covering her cheeks.

“I love your jealousy.” I lean in and place a kiss on her neck.

Her body slumps over mine, bringing us closer.

“I’m not jealous,” she breathes out.

My lips curve up against her skin as I move higher, and she shudders. Reaching her ear, I take the lobe between my teeth and tug at it. A quiet gasp leaves her, her chest moving heavily against mine.

“I love the way you react to me,” I whisper, her scent stilling my mind.

Footsteps echo in the background. She pulls away quickly, straightening the non-existent creases of her dress, her cheeks and neck reddening. A few maids walk our way from around the corner, their eyes already on us. Izzy hides her face by looking down and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

I grab the base of her head firmly, my fingers threading through her hair, and pull back. The force of the tug has herarching, a breathy moan leaving her lips. A beautiful sound. Her lips parted, she attempts to get a glance at the maids.

With the desire to get lost in her moans taking over, I kiss her jaw, my lips barely touching her skin. Inhaling, I am intoxicated by her. My chest frees as I kiss lower. Fingers inching to dig into her hips, I tug her closer. She slumps against me, her body fitting against mine just right.

With her, my heart is full.

“You are enough to make everything better,” I whisper into her neck, loosening my grip and holding her close to my heart.

Tilting her head, she looks up at me, beautiful stars shining in her eyes.

“I want to be strong enough to help you.” She runs her thumb along my lower lip. “I don’t want you to carry the weight alone.

“I’m not alone.”

If only she knew how much she has already given me.

The underground halls seem to have gotten smaller since a few hours ago. With every step closer to my mother, they close in.

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