Page 19 of Betrayed in the Dark
As we approach the guest room that I’ve arranged for him, I point to the scanner on the wall. “Alex had your handprint programmed, so you’ll be able to use this.”
Eli extends his arm and presses his palm against the scanner. I’m immediately drawn into the tattoos swirling over his skin,the ones I used to trace with my fingers—and sometimes even with my tongue. I get lost in thought until the scanner chimes and the door opens.
Eli gestures for me to go ahead of him, and I do.
It’s a lovely bedroom, if I do say so myself. It’s large yet simple, expensive but classy. The walls were painted with a fresh coat of grey just last week, while the dark wood beams were left untouched. The exposed bulb fixtures have been hung to provide a soft glow. The weathered wood and steel furniture that was recently delivered gives the space an almost industrial look.
“There’s an en-suite bathroom, and the mattress was just delivered a few days ago, so it will probably take some time to…break in.” My cheeks flush as I face the balcony doors overlooking the terrace. What the hell is wrong with me? I step closer to the balcony, trying to avoid looking at him as I open the door, enjoying the arctic air that cools my overheated skin. Once I feel sufficiently cooled down, I close the door and turn to find Eli starting to unpack. “If there’s anything you may need, just let me know.”
I step for the door, but Eli takes a larger step between me and the exit, blocking my path. “You placed me in the room directly across from yours,” he notes.
I swallow hard and manage a small smile. “I hope my close proximity to your room won’t be an issue, but all the other rooms are currently packed up as I will be expected to move after the wedding.”
His brows furrow. “Alastor isn’t moving here?”
I run my fingers through my long hair, pushing it over my shoulder. “No. He thinks it would be better for us to move to Italy. That’s where most of his business is conducted.”
His eyes darken. “I see.”
“Yes, well.” I sidestep him, positioning my foot to step out into the hall, but my boot heel falls awkwardly and makes me losemy balance. Just as I’m about to face plant, strong hands grip my arms, spinning me and pulling me against Eli’s chest. My breaths come out hot and fast as I look up, finding his face far too close to mine. His lips part, and I swear the look in his eyes tells me he’s about to go in for a kiss, but just as suddenly, he shakes his head and releases me, allowing me to stand upright.
Good. I didn’t want him to kiss me anyway.
Definitely did not want that.
Nope. Not one bit…
“Well, I’d better unpack.” He turns away from me, bending down to retrieve items from his bag.
Standing in the doorway, my lips part, ready to say the words that have been on my tongue for weeks. But I lose my courage and slightly close the door before walking away. I take a few steps down the hallway and come to a stop.
I am Madeleine fucking Alarie.
I can say these simple words and then be on my way.
He’s going to be living with me, for God’s sake.
It would be even more awkward if I didn’t say anything.
Quickly returning to Eli’s room, I push the door open and walk inside. “Eli, I—”
My words die in my throat.
He looks over his shoulder, our eyes connecting, but I lose all train of thought when my gaze lands on his exposed back.
His very red, scarred back.
Burns.
A small gasp escapes me as my chest tightens.
What happened to him?
Without missing a beat, he quickly faces me and throws on his shirt. “Sorry, I was just going to take a quick shower.”
I stare at the carpet, shaking my head. “No. That was my mistake. I shouldn’t have just walked in like that.”
Silence envelops us, and I’m unsure how long we stand there before he asks, “Did you need something?”
