Page 229 of Crimson Promises
I clenched my fists, digging my nails into the palms of my hands to ground myself. The treacherous fluttering in my heart left me furious. Why did he always manage to affect me like this?
Wife, my ass.
I had called him here for answers, not to be toyed with or reminded of this inexplicable pull between us. And though I couldn’t deny the attraction or how my body yearned for his touch, it wasn’t what I needed right now.
“This was supposed to help," I whispered, tracing the edges of the case. "To bring clarity. Answers.”
Instead, I felt more lost than before, stuck in a whirlpool of guilt, confusion, and burgeoning desires I wasn't ready to confront.
Determinedly, I began to leaf through the ancient tome, trying to find any lead, any hint that might help me find Ben. But the pages only left me with more questions than answers.
Closing the book with a frustrated thud, I leaned against the display case, feeling the weight of despair pressing down.
Thoughts of Ben, his eyes, and the soft smiles that he reserved just for me had me swallowing down the emotion clogging my throat.I promise I’m going to find out what happened. I’ll find another way, no matter what.
I tucked back the stray strands of hair that had escaped my bun and got to work. If Jean was going to continue to give me access to this collection, I had to keep up the appearance that I was doing my job.
* * *
The elevator dinged, indicating its ascent, but Vic’s voice echoed through the foyer before the metal doors could close.
“Ms. James! Wait up!"
I hesitated, fingers itching to press the button that would safely seal me inside. But it was too late. Vic was there, rounding the corner with his familiar silvered hair and reassuring presence. His face was lined with concern and warmth, his brown eyes sharp. Since he had banged on my door this morning, I’d been careful to avoid his presence, not wanting to explain myself. I didn’t feel like I had one ounce of energy left. Trying to get around him felt virtually impossible. Over the years, he'd become so much more to me—a protective figure, almost like a surrogate father, especially now, when everything was crumbling.
I managed a weak smile. "Hi, Vic."
Stepping out of the elevator, I sat in one of the chairs in the foyer. I didn’t have the energy to endure this inquisition standing.
He eyed me closely as if trying to read my thoughts. "I was just on my way out but wanted to catch you. Darlene’s finally caved into letting me have some red meat. A juicy burger has my name stamped all over it. Where have you been? Darlene and I have been worried about you?" His voice was filled with genuine concern, making it harder for me to deflect. “I reached out to your dad about your absence he said you were gone on an elite research project. But it didn’t seem right to me. You never mentioned anything like that. Though, I didn’t want him to worry him, so I left it. Hadn’t seen your boyfriend around either, so I figured you were off on some romantic escapade with him, and it was better for your father’s heart if he didn’t know those details. But I had to make sure you were okay for myself.”
The lie came easily—a rehearsed line I’d repeated countless times on the cusp of my lips. “Just been dealing with a family emergency.” It was true, in a way, if you considered the supernatural realm and the battles within it. For those closer, like Vic, who knew Ben and I had been inseparable, it made more sense to spin a slightly different tale. “Ben and I... we had a bad breakup.”
Vic snorted, not hiding his disapproval. “Never liked that guy. Always thought he wasn’t good enough for you.”
I felt my chest tighten, my heart thudding loudly against my ribcage. The insinuation and judgment felt like a slap to the face. Ben wasn’t here to defend himself, and no one, especially not Vic, understood the depths of the sacrifice he’d made.
“You think no one’s ever good enough for me,” I retorted, struggling to keep my voice steady.
Vic sighed, a heavy, fatherly sound. “You’re a smart, beautiful girl, Aurora.” Surprise ran through me at him using my given name at work. “You know I see you as one of my own. I just... I want what’s best for you.”
Heat rose to my cheeks. “What’s best for me?” I echoed bitterly. “You have no idea, Vic. Ben... he didn’t have a choice.”
Vic’s eyes softened, seeing the raw pain I couldn’t hide. “I know it’s hard. Heartbreak... it’s a beast of its own.”
I bit my lip, holding back the flood of emotions. “Look, I appreciate your concern. Really, I do. But I’ve got a paper to work on, and?—"
Vic held up a hand. “Wait, just hear me out. You’ve been through hell this semester.” A pun he couldn’t have possibly intended. “Darlene’s been worried sick about you. We both have.”
His words caught me off-guard. I’d been so wrapped up in my pain, my loss I’d forgotten that my absence and silence had left everyone worried. I felt a lump form in my throat. “I just... need time, Vic.”
VI’s hand reached out, squeezing my arm gently. “I know. But remember, you’re not alone. You’re always welcome at our place. Darlene would love to cook up a storm for you, and well, you know how she gets if she doesn’t have an audience for her culinary adventures.”
A ghost of a smile tugged at my lips. “I remember. One day soon, I’ll take you up on that. I’ll even put in a request for a plethora of tri-colored vegetables.”
Vic chuckled. “Ah, you sure know how to wound me, Ms. James. Let’s not revisit that. But seriously, please, think about it whenever you’re ready. And I apologize for my rather, uh…” his face reddened as he gave me a bashful expression “Rather aggressive tactics this morning. But sometimes you need that push to get you out the door and into the world again.”
I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “Thanks, Vic. You’re right; I did need that. And I’ll... I’ll think about it.”
