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Silence.

When he finally spoke, his voice was measured. “This is what we’ve been waiting for.”

“I know. I couldn't believe it when he said it.”

“So what’s the problem then, darling?”

I turned to face the drowned tree, my fists balled at my sides. Decayed tree bark splintered as I pressed my knuckles hard into its base, drifting away in the current. “Ethan wants me to go with him as his date. I–I can't–”

“You can't do that, because you know it will kill him...” The shadows around him pulsed, and Layne’s jaw tightened. “God, you care for him that much?” He sneered.

My silence spoke for me.

Layne’s voice was sharper now. “What will you do then? Give up your revenge for some—some boy?” He scoffed, grabbing my shoulders and turning me to face him. “Preston is a bastard. Look what he did to you, Evelyn! Think about your father. Everything that Preston took from you. You would give all of that up…for him?” His brows bunched together, frustration etched into his face. “That’s not the woman I know.”

“I know!” My voice cracked. “Don't you think I fucking know that, Layne?” My shoulders slumped.

I hate this. I hate all of this.

Layne’s grip loosened, hands dropping to his sides. He paused, studying me before slowly sinking to his knees in front of me, bowing low.

I tilted my head.

What’s he doing?

My gaze followed his movements, tracing the scarred, rippling terrain of his back, the faded dark veins pulsing across the surface of his pale skin.

He looked up at me slowly, eyes burning back. Gently, he took my hand in his, and the other moved to my face. “Do you think I like watching you tear yourself apart, Evelyn?” His thumb traced along the sharp ridge of my cheekbone. “Is that what you think I want?”

Whatever sharp retort I had readied died in my throat as my gaze met his. His usual air of smugness was gone. Only a raw look of sincerity that made me ache for more. Warmth spread across my face, and I fought to get the words out.

“I–I don't know what you want, Layne. You’re a goddamn enigma.” I pressed my eyes shut as his fingers trailed along my face and neck. My skin and scales prickled in response.

Layne's thumb slowly brushed across my lips as he rose from the ground. He towered above me, and I found my gaze level with the hard ridges of his abs. Shadows clung low on his hips but my siren's vision pierced through the darkness. The V of muscle cut downward, disappearing into the heavy hang of his cock.

This time, I forced myself not to keep looking, but the heat pooling inside me said otherwise.

I shouldn't feel this way about him, but…

“I’ve existed in this darkness for longer than you could fathom.” His voice was low and gruff. “Over a century of it. Sitting in the silence and waiting…just fucking waiting.” His large hands cupped my face, gently tilting my chin towards him.

My eyes gleamed as I slowly rose to meet his gaze. “Waiting…for what?” My voice was just above a whisper.

Layne pulled me closer, pressing my body tight to his. “For you, Evelyn Graymore. I’ve been waiting for you.”

My gaze was locked into his, and my breath caught in my throat. Layne’s heartbeat pounded against my chest, and I had no desire to pull away.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Evelyn,” he whispered against my ear. “I’ve been waiting for your rage…the way you refused to let life flicker from your heart that night.” His hand moved from my face to my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair, before sliding down to the small of my back. “Something awoke in me the night you fell into my ocean. I didn't ask to feel this way about you, and yet—here we are.”

Here we are indeed, I thought, breathing in the intoxicating and sweet scent emanating from him, overwhelming my senses.

“Layne..I–” His name barely escaped my lips.

“Ethan can't have you.” His voice was stern.

“I’m not a thing to be had,” I snapped.

He smiled devilishly. “No, you’re not. But it’s not because I forbid it, darling. He simply cannot survive you…” He pulled me closer. “Not like I can.”