“I am happy to be a light on the footpath.” He leaned in as we people-watched.
A phonograph hummed a tune while murmurs brought the night to life. Sounds of clinking glasses and laughter littered the air.
The ceiling became more interesting with each passing moment. Even with the stained glass, it was easy to see the stars due to the lack of light polluting the sky. It was beautiful, reminding me of my time in solitude. I could feel a grip on my chest as my heart weighed on me, feelings of the past pulling it down. I’d spent many nights looking at the sky, talking into the abyss to pass the time.
Eyes were on me.
Viktor had been staring at me through lowered lashes. He leaned in and kissed me, his touch so tender.
I melted into him without thinking, savoring the soft touch.
He pulled away briefly, running his thumb over my lashes as he cupped my face. “You are so beautiful when you look out at the universe. I wonder what it would be like to be looked at with such adoration as you do at the unknown,” he whispered against my lips.
“Viktor, I—” My heart could justshatter at his words, knowing it would never be something in the realm of possibility. Why did it feel like I was betraying Silas just by hearing it? “I can’t,” I whispered.
His amber eyes looked pained, but he nodded like he knew my reasons. “I know.” He pulled away. “It would punish me every moment it went unsaid.” He sighed, standing. “I hope you enjoy yourself tonight. I leave for the city in a few days. Will I be seeing you around?”
“I will be here.” My face reddened because he just returned a sad smile. “We still have a few more things to finish in the lab.”
He lifted my hand to his lips to bid me goodbye. He took a moment to linger, seeming to savor any contact he could. “Then I will see you soon.”
He left me on that couch to let my thoughts ferment inside my already weary head.
Guilt, longing, and neediness surrounded me like ghosts clutching on to my soul. A phantom pain. What if I was letting Silas ruin something that was meant to be? My feelings for both were entirely different, but I could not help the hollowness in my chest. The only thing I could do was fill it with something else, preferably the sweet numbness of scotch.
34
THE POISONER
The crisp morning air was enough to wake my senses. A thin veil of fog settled atop the pond and extended out to the tree line over the field, waiting for the sun to evaporate it. The sky held a soft blue and purple glow, and a few darting birds crossed the canvas before us. Blackbirds could be heard as they woke their fellow woodland creatures. It was perfect. This place was a haven.
“We should go to town afterward to grab something sweet. I know the most perfect little bakery,” Phoebe chattered almost as much as the blackbirds as she squeezed my arm.
“I won’t say no to sweets.” I took in a deep breath of crisp air as I consumed the smells of autumn approaching.
“How was it last night? I saw that you snuck in a little treat for yourself over on the love seat.” She smirked, seemingly overjoyed that I did something other than sulk alone in a corner.
My heart did that funny thing again, leaping up into my throat. I tried to forget. I needed to forgetboth men before I could rationalize any feelings I had for either of them. “I don’t feel like talking about it if you don’t mind.”
“Wait, what happened? Did I misread?” She stumbled over her words. “I thought you?—”
“He kissed me. I told him I wasn’t interested.”
“He is just your type! Why would you say no?” she gasped. “He’s studying medicine. He is into all those weird little science things. I met him at the garden party! He was so sweet looking for you! Your own Prince Charming!”
“What?” My eyes narrowed at her.
“He was looking for you?—”
“No, the other thing.”
“I met him at the garden party?”
“I thought you had known him before that. You didn’t invite him?”
She looked at me worriedly and said, “No, I assumed he was someone you knew, since he knew your name and said he was supposed to meet you there.”
“Phoebe, I met him the same day you did.” I frowned.
