chapter 15

Julian's pov

By the time Niles pulls the car into the driveway, the world outside is dead quiet. I loosen my tie, running a hand through my hair as the engine goes still.

“It’s been a long night,” Niles says as he steps out. “I’ll turn in now, sir. Do you need anything before I go?”

I shake my head. “No, Niles. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, sir.”

The door closes behind him, and suddenly I’m standing in an ocean of silence. The house feels heavier than usual, like the walls themselves are pressing in.

I walk to the bar, searching for the bottle I always reach for after a night like this but it’s not there. My eyes sweep the counter and land on it, half empty, next to a glass that’s still holding a little amber liquid.

So she’s been here.

I stare at the glass for a long moment before picking up the bottle and putting it straight to my lips. The burn is sharp but It doesn’t numb the weight sitting on my chest, but it dulls it for a second.

I shrug off my jacket, toss it over a chair, and unbu