Page 71 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

All of London’s monsters may be gone, but unfortunately for me, I still have a few demons left to slay.

ALISTAIR IS JETT’S UNCLE.

Amber is in love with Alistair.

Alistair is my former Master.

I have been repeating those three sentences in my head since last night. I keep telling myself if I say them enough, I’ll actually get over the shock.

It’s a very slow process. I couldn’t sleep again last night, but Jett wouldn’t let me out of his sight. We spent half the night talking and half the night fucking. My emotions are in turmoil. On one hand, the elation I feel from being free has my heart exploding. On the other, the uncertainty of the future and the trauma from the past makes moving forward difficult. Jett does nothing but reassure me and make promises. Promises of a brighter tomorrow, and I believe him. I trust him, which is a thousand-mile stretch for me.

When he finally fell asleep early this morning, I snuck out of his room. I’ll probably get spanked for that later, but my mind was going, and I needed to do something with my hands. So breakfast it is.

So far, I have made a stack of pancakes, French toast, bacon, and am now whisking eggs. I hope everyone is hungry. I’ve been snacking on a bowl of cherries the whole time. They’re my favorite fruit, and Jett has kept the refrigerator stocked since the moment he found out.

Most of the girls sleep in, so I know my feast won’t get devoured until later. Which is fine with me. I like the quiet and love cooking in Mansion’s kitchen. It’s gargantuan, with state-of-the-art appliances, expansive granite countertops, custom cabinets that reach the ceiling, and light hardwood flooring. It’s a chef’s wet dream.

“I thought I smelled something burning.” I peek over my shoulder to find Kayne pouring a cup of coffee.

“Very funny,” I quip.

He smirks behind his coffee cup. His eyes are bloodshot, and he’s wearing the same shirt as yesterday. Looks like I’m not the only one who didn’t sleep.

He comes to stand next to me as I prepare the eggs. “Where’s Jett?”

“Still sleeping, I think.”

He takes another sip of his coffee and then turns the television on. So much for peace and quiet. I can’t say a word—this is his house.

A newscaster’s voice fills the room.

Kayne then slides a little closer. It’s very odd. As many times as he’s fucked me, he’s never been overly social outside a bedroom.

“Are you holding up okay?” he asks casually in a low voice.

I stop whisking and look up at him with a sidelong gaze.

“I’m okay,” I admit.

“Jett had no idea about Alistair,” he states steadfastly.

Does he think he needs to convince me?

“I know he didn’t.”

“Good.” Kayne nods, his strange, sharp eyes illuminating in the morning sun. “He’s the best man I know. Whatever he tells you, believe him.”

I bat my eyelashes at him bemused. I think this is the longest conversation we’ve ever had. And it’s a heavy one. “I will, I promise.”

He nods again, satisfied before stealing a cherry.

“Am I interrupting?” Jett’s voice cuts through the newscaster’s. I glance over my shoulder and smile flirtatiously. “Kayne was just telling me how much he likes my cherry.”

“I bet.” Jett traps my waist tightly as I stand at the stovetop. “Good thing for him I like to share.” He kisses my neck and purrs, “Nice to see you have a sense of humor this morning.”

“It’s a new morning and a new me.” I try to sound confident.

“One day at a time,” he reminds me amorously, caressing my hips.

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