23. Enamored

-Katherine-

Xenia is sleeping in a hidden compartment in the walk-in closet. She took some Advil and passed out hours ago, but I can’t seem to fall asleep at all. I’m way too wired after everything that’s happened and I don’t think I’ll ever have a proper night’s rest again.

After she passed out, I unlocked the door because I didn’t want them to suspect anything and

I’ve been laying here ever since.

It’s nearly dawn when I hear Gabriel’s Harley accompanied by another one, and my heart immediately picks up its pace. I turn on my side and will my heart to calm its incessant beating while trying to drift off to sleep; it helps for a bit, but only until I hear my bedroom door opening.

I don’t even have to open my eyes to know it’s him and when he approaches the bed, I’m surprised that my heart doesn’t give in. There’s the faint smell of whiskey on him, but not his usual expensive whiskey scent, more like he’s downed an entire bottle of it.

He runs his fingers up my arm and breathes out