Page 81 of Between Earth and Eternity
He turns to leave but glances over his shoulder one last time before he walks out the door.
I know I’m tripping
Baby I’m barely alive
Are my feet on the ground
Because my head’s in the sky
“Astronaut,” Sir Sly
It occurs to me the next morning that when Vallen said I was welcome to stay, he might not have meant all night, but that’s what I did. It must’ve been the early hours of the morning in when he brought me here, and this couch ismuch too comfortable. The weight of heavy blankets on top of me is a warm hug, and I could easily stay here forever. The strong, familiar scent hits my nose. I can’t believe I’m in Vallen Mannox’s suite.
My body can’t decide if it’s exhausted or rejuvenated. I feel like I’ve slept for days, but a wave of dizziness hits me when I sit up too fast.
“Breathe, Skyler,” I say, closing my eyes, but when I do, I’m back in the cargo hold, nothing but a wall of metal separating me from death. My body tenses, fingers trembling. I ball my hands into fists and try again.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
And this time, when my eyelids shut, Vallen is in my mind, holding me steady.
One brother sent me to hell. The other saved my life.
Vallen is my savior after all, even though I swore he never would be.
I let out a heavy sigh. “Oh, El. I wish you were here right now.” I press the charm into my wrist. He won’t believe it when I tell him I stayed the night at Vallen Mannox’s place. Hell, he’ll be flabbergasted to learn we even spoke to each other.
Next to a fresh glass of water sits my StarComm. I’m thankful to see them there, especially the latter.
There are a couple of messages from Ori.
Ori: Bex brought me back to our suite. He let me know that you’re okay and that you’re at Vallen’s place. I need all the details immediately.
Ori: I’m so sorry Slade and Kol did that to you. Take all the time you need. Vallen better be treating you well.
There’s even a message from Payson.
Pace: I heard what happened with Slade. I’m so sorry. It sounds like he took care of it.
He. Apparently, typing outhisname would givehimtoo much credit.
I respond to Ori, letting her know I’ll be back soon, and I leave the message from Payson unanswered.
I have no idea if Vallen is somewhere in the suite, so I go looking for him.
Vallen’s place has more than anyone could ever need: a wet bar, a gym, pool tables, and an actual pool and hot tub. It’s one door after another with something spectacular behind each one, but there’s no sign of him. The last door causes me to pause. This must be his bedroom.
I place my ear against the door, then push the open button, half expecting it to be locked, but the door glides open with ease.
“This isn’t invasive at all,” I say to myself.
I walk into another sitting area. What is it with rich people and rooms? You can’t just walk into a room; there apparently has to be a room before every room.
I turn the corner, and my jaw drops. Rows upon rows of records, books, and movies line the walls. I trace my fingers across them, reading the spines in awe.
At first, annoyance washes over me because of how priceless these historical artifacts must be, but something about the way they’re displayed isn’t meant to be boastful. If they were, he would have them blatantly exhibited, but having them tucked away in his room makes it seem like they truly are just for him to admire.
The thought reminds me that I definitely shouldn’t be snooping around a man’s room, especially Vallen Mannox’s. But what could a couple more minutes hurt?
