16. VERENA GRAVENHURST
SIXTEEN
VERENA GRAVENHURST
There have been several moments in my life where I’ve longed to become invisible.
To fade away into nothingness, where I’m untouchable from the cruelty of other human beings.
There are many creatures that would have you convinced they are the scariest monsters in the world.
But I, for one, think that humans are by far the most terrifying.
An animal hunts its prey to satisfy its hunger.
But humans, they hunt one another for power.
They tear each other down purely for sport, for the satisfaction of making themselves feel superior.
To me, that is the scariest thing of all.
Dipping my head below the water, I submerge myself beneath the curling steam of my clawfoot tub, letting the warmth seep into my tense shoulders.
I woke up this morning feeling a lot better, though Madison’s words still weigh heavy on me.
Her opinions shouldn’t affect me as much as they do.
They shouldn’t cut so deep into my skin that they leave fresh wounds on the surface of my already scarred heart—but they do.
She all but called me a charity case, comparing me to a stray mutt, and I think the reason why it hurts so much is because maybe she isn’t entirely wrong.
This life, it was never my calling. I grew up fighting for any semblance of normalcy I could find, searching for a place in this unforgiving world to call my own.
Never did I think that Hollowcrest would be that place.
But here I am. This inheritance may not have been something I’ve earned, but I feel more at home here within the manor walls than I have anywhere, so why am I allowing the opinions of others to affect me so deeply?
I rise from the water with a gasp, inhaling the air like it may be my very last breath. Wiping the water from my eyes, I pull my knees to my chest and give myself a moment to feel.
The icy marble floors bite at the soles of my feet as I step out of the tub.
Droplets of water cascade over my skin, pooling around my feet as I wrap the towel around myself and tiptoe my way to the bedroom.
I notice a shift in the air as soon as I enter my bedroom chambers.
Someone has been in here. On my comforter, I see a purple envelope similar to the one my grandfather had left me on the first day I arrived at the manor.
It sits at the end of my bed, placed neatly on an antique silver tray, beside it a small glass vase holding a single black Iris from the garden.
My fingers brush the delicate petals as I admire its unique beauty.
Plucking the envelope from the tray, I lift the wax seal and slide the letter out.
Come find me where the irises bloom, I’ll be waiting in our spot.
– L
A traitorous smile tugs at the corner of my lips, but I do my best to suppress it.
I’m still angry with Loxen, despite his very compelling note.
I told myself I was done with whatever feelings were brewing for him, and I intend to keep that promise.
Clothing myself in a long, flowy black dress with a split that ends at the top of my thigh, I pin half of my long hair back, leaving a few strands loose to frame my face.
I’m curious as to what Loxen would have to say to me after the way our last conversation ended.
Does he want to apologize for being an ass with how he practically dismissed me?
Does he just want someone to banter with in his never-ending boredom?
As curious as I may be, I’m choosing to ignore his invitation and go about my day.
If he would like to talk at any point, he should come seek me out.
I no longer wish to play games with the man who gives me emotional whiplash.
Beginning my descent to the main floor, I’m halted by a voice that has come to be one of my favourite sounds.
“Hello, Miss Ren, are you feeling any better?”
My smile grows wide. “Hi, Archie, yes, I am, thank you.”
He nods, pleased by my answer. “Miss Mauve has given you a ring on the telephone. I informed her that you were indisposed. The way that girl can yap about anything that pops into her noggin is astounding. Twenty minutes later, and she had forgotten why she called in the first place.” He stifles a laugh.
I chuckle, imagining Archie trying his damndest to end the phone call while Mauve chats his ear off. “I’ll give her a call back shortly. My apologies you had to endure such a conversation.”
He waves me off. “I quite like Miss Mauve, she’s an animated character. Let’s not tell her I said that, though.” He brings his gloved finger up to his lips.
“Your secret is safe with me, Arch.” I give him a wink, and he straightens his posture.
“Very well, Miss Ren. You have a visitor waiting in the entryway, a gentleman caller.”
“Oh?” My eyebrows raise in question. “Thank you, I’ll take it from here.” I flash him a grin, and he nods, leaving me to my guest.
Continuing my descent to the foyer, I still when I see a set of hazel eyes watching me approach. In his hand is a bouquet of the brightest pink carnations I have ever seen. I grimace, but try my best to hide my distaste for the hideous things.
“Reed, you shouldn’t be here,” is all I can manage to say.
“I’m here to apologize. I had no idea what transpired at the academy.
I heard Madison and her friends talking about what she did and pestered her to tell me exactly what happened.
Had I known earlier, I would have stood up for you; I would have confronted her.
You didn’t deserve to be treated so poorly. ” He gives me a shaky smile.
“I brought you these.” He hands me the bouquet of flowers. “I wasn’t sure which were your favourites, so I bought the ones I thought were the prettiest.”
Taking the flowers from his hand, I give him a weak smile and lean in to smell them. It’s the thought that counts.
“Thank you, Sullivan. That was thoughtful of you.”
I set the flowers down on the credenza by the doorway. He takes two strides towards me and wraps me in a hug.
“Can we just go back to how things were yesterday morning? I don’t want to lose you, Gravenhurst. I’ve really come to like you.
” He offers me a warm smile, and whatever resentment I had towards him slowly begins to melt away.
It wasn’t his fault, after all. Though I do question the company he keeps.
I bury my head in his chest, taking a deep inhale of a rich cologne I can’t quite name.
He brings his hand to my chin, tilting my head back and places a soft kiss on my lips.
I feel exposed standing out in the open at the threshold of the entryway, where everyone can see us.
He wraps his arms around my waist, and I take a moment to peer over his shoulder and out the front door.
My eyes scan the garden gates, where I feel a tug within me that I’m choosing to ignore.
My heart belongs here, within the arms of the man who makes an effort to show me that he cares.
“Come with me,” I take his hand, leading him up the staircase to my bedroom, where we can have a moment alone, away from anyone who may stumble upon us.
The door clicks shut behind me, giving us privacy to talk.
Reed’s eyes scan the room, lips slightly parted, as I keep my back pressed against the door.
I’m about to offer him some coffee, but when his eyes return to me, there’s nothing but heat simmering behind them.
He strolls towards me with a mischievous grin tugging at his lips, and I know all too well where this is going.
I tip my head up, quirking a brow. “What unholy thoughts are you conjuring up there?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.” He smirks. Reed snakes his arms around my waist and spins me around in one swift motion. Pressing his lips roughly against mine, he slowly walks me backwards towards the bed.
He kisses me with such ferocity, I need to pull away to catch my breath.
It feels different when our lips connect this time.
Like he’s eager to bring us together as one.
His need for me fuels my own desires, so I let him take the lead and follow his movements.
He lays me back on the bed, our bodies clashing in the heat of the moment.
I’m getting swept away by the familiar scent of earthy notes, with a mixture of rich leather.
My eyes snap open, and a sudden panic rises within me when I realize why that scent is so familiar.
Reed continues to pepper kisses down my neck as I peer over his shoulder, searching my room for any indication that Loxen was here, but he’s nowhere in sight.
It’s just the two of us and the sounds of our rapid breathing. Get out of my fucking head.
Deepening our kiss, I cling to Reed, tightening my thighs around his waist and tug his body down on top of my own.
I can feel him grin against the small of my neck as he trails his fingers along my exposed thigh.
His touch is cool, sending goosebumps down my arms. He kisses the tops of my breasts, continuing down to my stomach, stopping only inches away from my pussy, with only the thin fabric of my dress between his mouth and my flesh.
He lifts his head, his eyes clashing with mine, and I nod, urging him to continue.
Reed slides my dress up my thighs and removes my panties, dragging the deep red lace down my legs and discarding them on the floor, leaving my pussy bare for him.
He dips his head between my thighs, and my back arches from the mattress like a bowstring pulled taut, as his warm tongue glides over my swelling centre.
My eyes snap closed, relishing in the pleasure building within me, when a sudden flicker of a handsome face fills my mind.
Loxen. My body stills. Why am I thinking about Loxen right now?
Of all the moments I could have that arrogant man invade my thoughts, this one should be at the bottom of the list.