“Where are you going with this?” Genni asked.
“I don’t know,” Eve admitted, blowing out a breath, glancing at the other patrons, chatting happily at their tables nearby. “I just know that we aren’t happy with this friendship anymore. On both sides. When we were younger, I thought of you like a sister. Now that we’re older, I can’t shake this feeling that we just don’t…fit anymore. Like we’re holding onto something because of what it used to be, because of whoweused to be. I’m wondering what to do about it.”
Genni’s brow furrowed and she blinked at Eve.
“What is going on with you lately?” Genni asked softly. “You’ve been acting really strange.”
“Maybe strange to you.”
“It’s because of him, isn’t it? You suddenly feel the rush of a romantic relationship and you think that you’re different suddenly?” Genni asked.
“I don’t think I’m different,” Eve said carefully. “I just think there are bigger things in the universe that matter and now that I realize it, now that it’s slapped me across the face, I just don’t care to censor my thoughts or feelings anymore in fear that someone won’t like me.”
When their server brought a Nu tablet over, Eve authorized the credits for their meal without a second glance, as silence stretched between them. The server left with a fake smile and the silence continued.
“When you get your heart broken byKhiva,” Genni said softly, standing from the table, “when you have no one else in your life who you care about, then I hope it was all worth it, Evelyn.”
Eve sighed. “Genni…”
“I’m going dancing,” Genni said. “Are you coming or not?”
Eve stared up at her from her seated position. Then she shook her head.
Genni gave a roll of her shoulders. “See you then,” the blonde said and then walked past their table towards the entrance of the restaurant.
Eve stared at the empty spot where Genni had occupied. Then she got out of her seat, draped her shawl over her shoulders to help protect against the cooler weather, and then left.
Though her chest ached with mourning, the flash of relief told Eve she’d done the right thing. Their friendship hadn’t worked for a long time.
What she’d said had been true. There were more important things in the universe.
And Eve was beginning to suspect that Everton would only drag her down if she stayed.
* * *
* * *
* * *
Khiva’s stomachsunk when he saw Madame Allegria waiting for him in the Cluster common room that night.
His client had had to leave early—her husband had been expecting her home—which had been a blessing in itself. Truthfully, Khiva had been finding it difficult to stay aroused during the past few weeks. Even his mental switch had been failing him. In the end, he’d had to reach deep and think of Evelyn to embody the state of arousal a Krave was expected to be in at all times.
It was draining. He was beginning to feel how long he’d been on Everton, how long he’d done this, how many human females he’d fucked to make Madame Allegria wealthier.
And now, after a frustrating, angry night, she was waiting for him.
No doubt, she’d been alerted to Mrs. Braxton leaving early.
None of his Krave brothers were there, as all the doors to their sleeping quarters were open. Only the female with red hair and red lips waited, with her legs crossed.
With just one look at her face, Khiva was both relieved and filled with dread. She was angry and so he knew he would be punished that night. But at least, she wouldn’t demand a mating from him. Truthfully, for the first time since coming to Everton, Khiva didn’t know if he’d be able to perform like the well-trained beast he was, even if she wanted a fucking.
“Come with me,” she said.
Khiva’s jaw ticked and he turned after her. The path was familiar to the bottom floor, the one that lay beneath the building, beneath the lobby entrance. Khiva had been there many times before in his ten years at the brothel.
One more night would be nothing to him.
