Chapter 1

"You're awake. Does your wrist still hurt?"

Adeline Wray's voice came from beside my ear, impossibly gentle.

I opened my eyes. The ornate crystal chandelier overhead was so bright that I had to squint.

Adeline sat on the edge of the bed with a bowl of oatmeal that was still steaming. She stirred it without hurry, blew on a spoonful, and held it to my lips.

I did not understand what sadness was, but I felt the ache buried deep in the marrow of my arm. The pain left me without the strength to open my mouth.

"Not hungry?"

Adeline was not annoyed. She set the bowl down gently, and her slender fingers rested on my cheek, the pad of her thumb brushing over my pale lips.

"Elio, it's rough out there. This is the only place where you're safe. Evelyn doesn't want you anymore, but I do. As long as you're good and stay by my side, I'll give you everything."

I stared at her. I saw my reflection in her eyes, which looked full of affection yet still unfamiliar. I could only think about what she had said to Evelyn Sheridan in the study the night before. She had said that after the surgery, I would be hers.

I lowered my head and looked at the dense cluster of needle marks on the back of my hand. "I want to go back."

I did not struggle. I only stated it calmly, as a fact. I did not know exactly where heaven was, but my instincts told me that was where I belonged.

Adeline's hand stopped against my cheek. Something dark flashed through her eyes, but a tender smile covered it quickly.

"Silly, you can't even tell a red light from a green one. How would you ever find your way back? You have no memories and no sense of direction. Without me, the people out there would eat you alive."

She leaned closer, her breath warm against the shell of my ear. "Remember, I'm the only one who won't hurt you."

At that moment, someone began ringing the apartment doorbell frantically.

Bang! Bang! Bang!