Chapter 192: Playing Detective
Evaline:
I kept my voice low as I stood in the far corner of Kieran’s living room, my phone pressed against my ear.
"I’m fine," I whispered softly, my free hand curled into the sleeve of Kieran’s big black cloak I had been wrapped in. "It was just a nightmare. I’m okay now."
Oscar wasn’t convinced. I could feel it through the bond, the simmering concern that stirred his emotions and had woken him from sleep. Guilt gnawed at my insides. I hated lying to him. But the truth... the truth would only lead to more chaos. And tonight, I had already tiptoed too close to disaster.
"Are you sure?" he asked. His voice was still husky with sleep, sounding both warm and rough in my ear. "I felt... your emotions, or at least a part of it. I thought something happened to you."
"I promise," I murmured, forcing lightness into my voice. "I’m alright. It was just a bad dream, that’s all."
"Alright," he finally exhaled. "But next time, even if it’s just a nightmare, call me no matter what time it is. Please."
My chest tightened. "I will. I promise."
I ended the call and dropped my arm to my side, tucking the phone back into the pocket of my trousers. The living room was dimly lit, but not cold, there was a gentle warmth to it. The soft lamp light was casting shadows on the hardwood floor. The place smelled faintly of vanilla and mint, and something else... something earthy. I realized the faint aroma was coming from the potted plants that were lining the window sills and corners of the room.
Even though the space was furnished modestly, there was something deeply comforting about it. Kieran’s quarters felt just like him... quiet, reliable, safe.
I hadn’t even heard him come back in, but when I turned, he was already there, walking toward me with two glasses of warm water. One of them had a golden tint.
He handed the latter to me without a word and motioned toward the couch.