Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
“We never got the chance to meet,” Thorne answered before I could.
“Really? That’s surprising.”
“How so? You didn’t know Lucian until tonight.”
He made a valid point. Mara and I were both from around here and we had never crossed paths until our freshman orientation at high school.
Thorne gave her an appraising once-over. “Though it does feel like you and I have met before. Maybe in another life as something more than friends,” he mused.
Mara rolled her eyes. “Smooth.”
Lucian slowed down to walk beside me. “You've been pretty quiet. Everything okay?”
I looked up at him and was immediately pulled into the dark depths of his eyes. “Just processing. Seeing you here, all of this.”
His full lips curved into a faint smile, and he brushed a strand of hair from my face.
His touch lingered, falling away just as we reached our destination. The Evergreen stood tall with a touch of gothic architecture, its dark exterior and ornate carvings adding to the Halloween atmosphere. Even in its sophistication, the inn was decked out for the holiday with faux cobwebs and strategically placed jack-o-lanterns.
As we entered, warmth immediately chased away the evening chill. The lobby, grand in its decor with plush carpets and dark wood paneling, was adorned with more tastefully spooky decorations. Without waiting, Lucian led the way to the elevator, pressing the button for the second floor. The journey upwards was short, and soon we were walking down a softly lit hallway.
Lucian opened a door midway down to reveal a sumptuous one-bedroom suite. A lavish living area greeted us, complete with plush sofas and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
The bedroom, visible through an open archway, boasted a large bed covered in deep red luxurious fabrics. The windows displayed the bustling Townsquare below.
Mara whistled softly. “You guys sure didn’t skimp on comfort.”
Thorne laughed. “Why would we when we’ll lay our heads here?”
Acutely aware that Lucian hadn’t taken his eyes off of me once since coming inside, I began to wander around the suite, taking in the details. The rich textures, the artwork on the walls, and the faint scent of cinnamon seemed to permeate the room. I had stayed at Evergreen before and so had my parents, but never in the suites.
From my peripheral, I saw Thorne saunter over to a corner table where a sleek Bluetooth speaker sat. After syncing his phone, the room filled with strains of a familiar indie song.
“Perfect,” he mouthed to himself before moving to the kitchenette. “How about some shots to kick off the next part of our night?”
Grabbing a bottle, he swiftly lined up four glasses and began pouring a dark, amber liquid. Mara and I exchanged a glance before we approached the counter, curiosity piqued. I accepted one shot and she another.
Lucian looked between the two of us, then at Thorne as he lifted his glass. “To promises of the future.”
The toast was as cryptic as their responses had been most of the night, leaving Mara and me slightly bemused. We clinked glasses, and I hesitated for just a moment before taking a sip. The liquid burned going down, a sweet yet smoky flavor that lingered on my palate.
Mara made a face, clearly not a fan. “What the hell is this?” she spluttered and coughed.
Thorne laughed and gently patted her back. “An acquired taste.”
“I can’t imagine growing used to this,” Mara quipped.
“We’ve had plenty of time to do so.”
“Plenty of—okay, seriously, how did you guys meet? How long ago?”
Thorne’s gaze darted to Lucian. “It feels like it was ages. Something that was always bound to happen.”
I couldn’t hold back any longer. I’d been observing their behavior since they came to sit with us at the bar. “You two are awfully evasive. What’s the deal?”
“It’s not my place to share.” Thorne’s vibrant blue hues met mine. “Some stories are better left to the ones they belong to.”
At that, Lucian shifted slightly, drawing my attention. “Winter, could we speak in private for a moment?”
I glanced at Mara, hesitant to leave her completely alone with Thorne.
She seemed comfortable with him, but we’d all been drinking, and he was Lucian’s friend, not mine. I hardly knew the guy let alone trusted him. Sensing my apprehension, he smiled slyly. “Don't worry. I won't bite. Not unless she begs me to.”
Mara scoffed and waved him off. “Someone is getting ahead of themselves.”
Taking that as my cue she’d be okay for a few minutes, I followed Lucian into the bedroom. As we entered, he quietly shut the door behind us, turning the lock with a soft click. The weight of the room immediately seemed to press in, making the space feel both intimate and charged.
“Do you want to sit?” His voice was gentle, but there was an undertone of something else.
I wanted to keep my composure, stay standing and meet him head-on, but my feet had other plans.