Page 30 of A Shade of Evil

He just stares at me, and I expect he’ll leave the crazy woman to her own crappy conversation, but instead he comes and sits beside me, striking the same pose and laces his fingers with mine.

“I kind of understand what that’s like, princess.”

“You do?”

He nods. “I’ve questioned my own life thousands of times. Growing up was a life lesson no child should learn.”

I say nothing because I don’t want to interrupt him. He is unlocking a little window into his soul, and I am curious to peer inside.

He sighs. “I’m wild because I know no different. I suppose I’ve always been searching for something, but I don’t know what it looks like. So, if you want assurances from me that it gets better. It doesn’t. You just learn to live with it and make it part of you.”

He squeezes my fingers tightly and says huskily, “You must have many questions for your mom and your uncle. They lied to you your entire life, and that’s not easily forgiven.”

“I kind of think you’re going to do something about that yourself, Shade.” I sigh. “I’m guessing that was your motive in bringing me here in the first place.”

“You are very astute, princess. Congratulations.”

He turns and smiles and I say with curiosity.

“Tell me. Maybe I can help.”

“To bring your uncle down. I doubt it.”

“Is that what you want? Why?”

“I have my reasons.”

His eyes are dark and gleam with malevolence, making me shiver.

“I’m sure you do.” I smile softly and turn my head away from him, resting it against the wall of the cabin and say with a sigh.

“It sucks.”

“What does?”

“Knowledge. I wish I didn’t know their secret, then I could pretend I was happy.”

“Aren’t you?” He adds with a soft whisper.

“I haven’t been happy for a while now, Shade, but I can’t tell you why.”

“You can try.” He probes, appearing concerned, although I doubt that very much.

“I could, but possibly I don’t want to face it. Perhaps I want you to corrupt me even more and distract my attention and to ruin me. Have you even considered that?”

He falls silent and I wince as my ass starts protesting at the treatment it just received.

“You pack a mean punch, honey. I’m impressed.”

For some reason that makes him laugh and I’m surprised when he grips my face and turns it to face him, whispering, “Then allow me to kiss it better.”

CHAPTER16

SHADE

Something has happened that I didn’t count on. I like her. The more time I spend with Allegra Powell, the more I discover we have in common.

I love that she isn’t afraid of me. She’s the first woman outside of family who isn’t.

---