LOGIN“I don’t need a handmaid,” I said.“I disagree,” Dominic replied.I pursed my lips.“It’s been arranged,” he said curly. “Mara starts today. She’ll have the room at the end of the east hall.”I looked between the two of them. Mara’s smile hadn’t moved an inch. Dominic’s expression hadn’t either.“Wh
Ellie’s POVThe restricted section was tucked behind a heavy door at the far end of the library’s upper floor, sealed with a lock that required the pass to be handed to the librarian on duty before she would let you through.The room beyond wasn’t large. It smelled like old paper and leather, and th
“Don’t you think,” I said carefully, “that at this point it might be simpler to just—”“Clearly, she’s being influenced by him,” Dominic cut me off. He crossed to his desk and began shuffling around papers. “Lucas has had his hooks in her for a long time, and she’s not going to snap out of it on her
Vivian’s POVI was done waiting.I had decided this morning. I had been patient. I had been strategic. I had played the long game and smiled through every single slight and setback, and what did I have to show for it?Ellie was still here. Still wearing the title that was supposed to be mine. Still
Empty. Just a couple racks of clothes and the faint scent of mothballs.Dominic stood there for a moment, staring into the empty space. I could only see the partial outline of his jaw from this angle, but I could see it tense. His hand fell to his side, and I could nearly scent the moment he realize
Ellie’s POVI woke up before my alarm went off the next morning.That wasn’t terribly unusual anymore. A good night’s sleep felt like a distant memory at this point; my mind was always racing too much for proper dreams to fill the space. This morning was no different. I laid there for a moment stari
“I hate this,” I mutter.“Being trapped?” he asks.“Being trapped with you.”He exhales softly. “No you don’t.”That pulls my gaze back to him.“What does that mean?!”His jaw tightens, just a fraction. “It means I didn’t ask for this pull either, Ellie.”The word hits low and slow.Pull.I swallow.
Dominic POV By the time lunch rolls around, I already know I’m in a bad mood.That’s not unusual. I’m almost always in a bad mood these days. Comes with the job. Comes with the blood. Comes with being the one everyone looks to when something goes wrong.What is unusual is that I know exactly why I’
Dominic POV The teams flash up on the boards the instructor says them, and I barely need a second to read mine.All I could think about was the per-requst.Ellie requested me?I smirk. Playing hard to get.I don’t even think before walking up behind her, shadowing her small form. I lean in closer t
Dominic POV Light floods the room.“Ellie?” Lucas’s voice cuts through the moment like a blade. His eyes flash between Ellie and I, eyes narrowing.I nearly threw my book at him.“What…are you doing?” He asked.We’ve frozen, Ellie stiff to my chest, my arm over her, nose close.Ellie yanks off of m







