Atticus dragged the human to the manhole and shoved the human’s face inside. “Hey, want to finish this fucker off before you go?” he shouted into the sewer. I stepped beside him, hugging myself. Trying to get that image out of my head.
“No, please! I didn’t do anything!” the human begged.
“I doubt those women thought so. I’ll see you in hell,” Atticus snarled before throwing the human into the manhole. The human screamed as Atticus stepped back. There was a loud crunch followed by more screaming. I covered my ears so I didn’t hear anymore. Atticus covered the manhole again, cutting off the sound of crunching.
He turned back to me as I dropped my hands from my ears. His eyes were still raging as he came to me and pulled me into his arms. I buried my face into his shoulder and took deep breaths.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his hand was in my hair holding me to him. I took a shaking breath. “You should never have seen that.” His arms all but crushed me to him and I didn’t care.
“I feel so disgusting just being in that house,” I told him. He kissed my hair and held me tighter.
“Let’s go home,” he said gently. “You can take a shower.” I nodded before pulling away. I looked at the house over my shoulder.
“I want to burn it to the ground,” I admitted in a whisper.
He took my hand, bringing my attention back to him. “I’ll call in a tip. The human police might be able to find out who those women were. Give their families closure.”
I nodded.
The flight home was blurry. All I really remember was landing on the roof and the burn of tucking my wings back into my skin.
Atticus led me downstairs and opened the door to my apartment. “Eve, are you going to be alright to take a shower?”
I nodded. “I just… need to get the feel of that house off me.” His hand ran up and down my back.
“Then go take your shower. I’ll be over after I’ve taken mine,” he said. I nodded and headed in. He closed the door behind me.
I went into my bedroom and grabbed my usual sleeping clothes before going into the bathroom.
I took a shower with the water as hot as I could stand. I scrubbed and scrubbed until I finally felt clean again. I wished he had let me burn the place to the ground. Maybe after the police were done…
When I was finally feeling better I got out, dried off, then pulled on my lavender hipster panties and a gray cami. I opened my bathroom door and froze.
Atticus was in my bedroom. In my bed to be precise. He had his pillows behind him and was sitting up against my headboard reading, an old, leather-bound book in his hands. That wasn’t what stopped me. What stopped me was the fact he was in nothing but a pair of navy, designer pajama bottoms that were riding low on his hips, the blankets down to his knees. His chest was muscled, but not overly so. His six pack was defined, his Adonis belt… oh my. His body was… whew. But it was his tattoos that drew my eyes. Two full, Asian-style sleeves ran up his shoulders and across most of his chest. One side was dark, stormy, with very little color as it rose up his arm and across his pec. The other… the other arm was bright, vibrant, as it moved along his shoulder to cover his other pec. My fingers itched to trace the lines.
“So, we’re doing this now?” I asked dryly, not knowing what else to say.
He lifted his eyes from the book. That gaze ran over my body just as thoroughly as I had ogled his. “Why not?”
Why not? The truth was, tonight I didn’t want to sleep alone. Not after that house. I shrugged casually as I moved to my side of the bed. “It’s too cold to sleep alone anyway,” I reasoned as I climbed in the side furthest from the door and started fixing my pillows.
He smirked as he read his book. “You can control your body temperature.”
I sighed wearily. “Don’t poke holes in my story.”
He chuckled as I laid down under the blankets. He set his book down and shut off his lamp.
The bed shifted as he laid down and got comfortable.
I closed my eyes and the image in that house came back. I took a shaky breath.
“Eve… come here,” he called softly. I didn’t hesitate. I turned into him, my body pressed against his side, my knee moving over his leg. His arms closed around me as I laid my head on his shoulder. Peace filled me as he kissed my forehead and held me tight. I relaxed completely and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep surrounded by the smell of parchment.
15
December 21
Evelyn
I woke up slowly, the sun streaming through the window. I stretched as I rolled onto my back to find I was alone. I rubbed my eyes and looked over at the other side of the bed. It was already perfectly made, again. A leather-bound book on the nightstand caught my eye. I smiled to myself. Atticus must plan on sleeping in here again tonight. I wasn’t really against the idea.
Last night ran through my head. After my shower I thought I would have been fine. But Atticus had known better. I played with my locket as I watched the sunlight cross the ceiling. He had put himself out there last night. He was there for me when I didn’t even know I needed someone. That was rather… amazing.
I mentally shook myself and got out of bed. Knowing I was meeting Mr. Gumner at some point today, I dressed for it. I pulled on my dark-gray pencil skirt, a white-silk button-up blouse and a blush colored cardigan. I left my hair down and slipped on my black ballet flats. If I looked professional maybe Gumner would give me a chance. Even if I did miss our last appointment.
When I stepped out of my bedroom I wasn’t surprised to find everyone there. Atticus’s head rose, his eyes finding me from where he leaned against the counter next to the coffee pot. He was perfect again in another suit, not a hair out of place. I sent him a smile before moving towards the kitchen.
Ranulf and Zahur were on the stools at the breakfast counter talking about other leads they might try. Falk was leaning against the end of the breakfast counter, eating cereal and listening.
I went straight to the stove to start the kettle. Only it was already starting to whistle. I shut off the burner and peeked at Atticus. He was listening intently to the conversation. I went to grab a mug only to find two already out on the counter. Atticus was talking about meeting with some of the other species. I smiled to myself, poured the water into the mugs and went about making tea.
When I was done I handed his to him, he took it with a grin. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for putting on the kettle,” I countered.
He grinned at me. “It’s Ranulf’s turn to cook, so everyone is eating cereal.”
I looked at him puzzled. “I don’t have cereal, I haven’t gone to the store this week.”
Atticus was suddenly focused on drinking his tea. Suspicious, I walked around him and opened the fridge. It was stocked. Not just stocked. Packed with food. Laughter erupted behind me. I turned around to find everyone watching me.
“You guys didn’t need to-”
“With how much we eat here?” Ranulf said. “It’s long overdue.” I shook my head and pulled down a bowl, then tried to find where they put the cereal. After I closed the fourth cabinet, Atticus reached up and plucked a box from the top of the cabinets.
“Seriously? How was I supposed to find that?” I asked as I took the box from him.
He bit back a grin. “Look up?” The others snickered.
I shot him a playful glare then set about eating my breakfast.
I was almost done when Zahur got my attention. “Evie, we’d like to talk to some of the other species in the city. Find out if they’ve seen any more odd demon events.”
I nodded. “I can make you a list of addresses and give them a call to meet you on neutral territory. It’s the safest bet if you don’t know their customs.”
Ranulf raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you coming with us?”
“No,” I said carefully. “I have an appointment today that I can’t miss.”
Atticus met my eyes. His filled with understanding. “Alrigh
t, can you also make us a list of what not to do?”
“Sure. Can someone grab a notebook from my desk?” I asked. When I looked down at my breakfast my appetite was gone. Today was the day.
Zahur came back with a pen and notebook. I set my bowl aside and began writing out directions. As I did I explained what not to do with each species and why. By the time I had to open the store I was confident there wouldn’t be any issues today.
My mind on the store, I put my bowl in the sink and began pulling on my jacket.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” Atticus announced, jarring me out of my head. He opened the door for me.
I stepped into the hall, we started down the stairs. “I thought you were going with them?”
“I am, I’m just walking you to work first.” He held open the outside door for me. I tried to hide my smile as I passed him then headed to my storefront. I unlocked the metal gate and Atticus raised it.
“Thank you,” I said as I started unlocking the door.
“You’re welcome.” He began turning on lights as I turned off the alarm. When I turned back he was watching me closely.
“What?” I asked awkwardly.
“The landlord is coming today?” he asked, his eyes darkening.
I sighed as I pulled off my jacket and headed for my office. “Unfortunately.” I draped my jacket over my chair and turned on my computer.
“I’m going to have the team scattered today so no one will be here to help,” he said as he stood in the doorway.
“Don’t worry, I can call in Rina if I need to,” I said as I moved back around the desk to head into the store, only to come up short when Atticus didn’t move. My pulse picked up as I met his eyes. “Atticus, I need to get to work.”
His cheeks tinged a light pink. “Right…” He scratched his eyebrow and stepped back. “Um, yeah, and I need to go babysit. I'll see you later,” he said awkwardly. He didn’t look at me as he turned and walked out of the store.
I leaned against the doorjamb and groaned. I really needed him to kiss me again. But not now. Now, I needed to get orders shipped. I put Atticus out of my mind and got to work.
It wasn’t until dusk that Mr. Gumner walked into the store. Rina couldn’t come because she was stuck studying for a test tomorrow, so I was by myself when he walked in. I was bringing down a stack of books when I spotted him at the counter. Mr. Gumner Jr. was an annoyingly snobby man who didn’t look much like his father. In his forties, his triangular face and pointy chin screamed his mother. He walked in wearing a navy wool suit with lines that told me it was expensive, probably Italian, and an elegant, long, black wool coat. His blonde hair was turning white at his temples and the permanent frown lines didn’t help his looks.
I smiled. “Mr. Gumner, it’s good to see you.” He turned and watched me walk around the counter and add the stack to the ‘to go’ pile. When I turned to him he was eyeing the empty shelves and the stacks of packages waiting to be shipped. “I’m sorry for missing our last appointment. A friend of mine was in a car accident.”
“It looks like business is good,” he observed.
“In the book world, just because you’re selling doesn’t mean you’re selling well,” I said, with a polite smile. “Which I wanted to discuss with you.”
He turned back to me and his deep blue eyes sent chills down my spine. Seriously, this guy was one monocle away from being a Bond villain. “You are three months late on the rent, there’s not much to discuss about that.”
“I agree, I’m already working on clearing out the space by the end of the month,” I admitted politely.
“Good, then I won’t have to serve you with an eviction notice,” he said in a bored voice.
“No, you won’t. What I would like to discuss is the payment for the last three months,” I began.
“Ms. De Haven, a lady does not shirk her debts,” he chided. “You will pay every cent of the total owed.”
I straightened my shoulders and raised my chin. “I have every intention of paying every cent I owe you, sir,” I said, politely. Pulling on all my etiquette lessons from my mother, I continued. “However, I was hoping we could arrange a payment plan.”
He raised an eyebrow. “A payment plan?”
“Yes, sir.” I explained, “The issue with rare books is that if you want to sell a rare book quickly, you will get at most a quarter, or if you’re very lucky, half of what it’s worth since most collectors also sell for a profit.”
“And?” he asked.
“If we can work out a payment plan that will give me more time, then I can get better prices for these books.” He watched me with curiosity. “The price difference is so great that it would make up for any late fees I have already incurred, plus interest.”
He looked around the store quickly then met my eyes. “No,” he stated.
My heart dropped.
“You will pay the total of one hundred eighty-six thousand, eight hundred and ninety-three dollars and thirty-seven cents by the end of the month or you will incur more late fees. Do you understand?” he asked bluntly.
“Mr. Gumner. I’m saying I’m already vacating the shop, so you’ll be able to rent it out. That with a payment plan, you will make a profit. Not just what I owe you but interest,” I said carefully again, my stomach in knots, my hands shaking. He had to understand. I couldn’t lose my books. “Doing this would save my mother’s private collection. It’s all I have left of her.” A total lie, but I loved my books and I was starting to have trouble breathing.
He smirked, and it wasn’t a pleasant one. “I understand perfectly. Quite frankly, I don’t like you. I didn’t even like your mother; she was abrasive.” I bit my tongue at that. Abrasive my foot! You grabbed my butt and I smacked you for it. Of course, it happened twenty years ago and he didn’t know that was me, he thought it was my ‘mother.' But he was still talking. “I might have been willing to negotiate had you not already stood me up the other day. Now, vacate the premises by the end of the month. And make one payment. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir,” I said, stunned.
He smiled, satisfied. “Then good day.” He turned and left the shop.
Thick silence fell. The world became slow. I looked at the mostly empty shelves, the books still there. The stairs to the second level. I loved every inch of this place. He had barely listened. I looked up at the second level. I needed to clear those books. I focused on walking around the counter and picking up several empty boxes, then walking up the beautiful, worn, dark wood stairs.
At the top I went to the first case. One by one I started taking books off the shelf, the pressure in my chest increasing with every book I added to the box. When the box was full I set it down. Then picked up another.
I failed. I was going to lose my collection. I was going to have to sell to that snake Burgess.
He had tossed a card with an offer for my private collection through the mail slot. It was pathetically low.
I lost… I put down the full box and picked up an empty one. Chest aching, I put the books into the box, my heart breaking a little more every time, until it finally sunk in. The tears fell faster. I held a book on the shelf for—I don’t know how long—as I cried. My body shook from it, but I didn’t make a sound. If I started, I’m sure I never would have stopped. I rested my forehead against a shelf on the bookcase and sobbed. I cried until it was hard to breathe, then when I could, I started again. I didn’t know how to stop. Everything I had worked for over the last two hundred years… gone. I didn’t even notice the bell over the door ring.
“Evelyn?” Atticus’s voice caught my attention, barely. I took deep breaths, trying to ease the knot in my throat. A tread sounded on the staircase. A hand on my arm turned me. Atticus’s face came into focus. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” he demanded. Tears still falling I shook my head.
“He didn’t agree,” I barely said. “I have to sell it all.” My chest was an aching void, a hole burned right through me.
Hi
s hands moved, one cupped my face, the other brushed my hair back behind my ear. “It’s alright, luv,” he said gently, his accent slipping in. “We’ll make it right.” His golden eyes were full of promise. A promise of what, I didn’t know. “Just stop crying, take deep breaths for me.” I did as he asked, but the tears kept falling. His face was pained at the sight of them. “Eve, please, stop crying.” He stepped closer, his hands on my shoulders, his body pressing me back between the bookcase and him. Warmth moved over my body. My breath caught in my chest at the desperate look in his eyes.
“How?” I asked, my voice cracking. He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. My heart skipped, the world stopped. Everything I am was focused on those lips. He gently kissed me, coaxing me. His hands moving down my arms, spreading heat. That… that felt good. That felt very good, my lips moved against his, my hands sliding up to his shoulders. He kissed me more confidently, moving his mouth a little deeper. His tongue traced the seam of my lips, asking. I opened them. He slipped in and took every thought away. My body burned as the kiss changed. My breasts grew heavy and aching. Hunger slipped in, need. I don’t know if it was mine or his, but it took over and I was lost. His hands moved over me, my waist, my hips, my ribs. One of those scorching hands finally cupped my breast over my blouse, his thumb stroking my nipple through my clothes. My pulse pounded in my ears as I gasped, as my body throbbed. His mouth moved down my neck making me cling to him. He groaned against my skin, sending hot shivers over my body. My heart raced as he kissed down my chest, his fingers unbuttoning my blouse until he could shove my bra out of the way. He left hot kisses that had me moving against him. His scorching mouth took my breast, I cried out as flames licked my skin. I arched into him as my hands buried in his hair. My core throbbed with every heartbeat. Gasping, I tilted my head back. I wanted this… needed it. Please… His hand moved down the outside of my thigh, then under my skirt and up my inner thigh. I whimpered as he touched my soaked lace panties. His mouth came down on mine again, demanding everything. My toes curled.
Found (Books of Stone Book 1) Page 21
