Page 184 of Eternal Craving

My desire to put mayhem behind me finally felt achievable.

Bored with the smoke and mirrors of secret societies and ancient cults, I wanted to leave it all behind, relax and enjoy time with my son. Sunaria and I also needed to spend more time together – I missed her.

Belshazzar’s offered up its quiet familiarity.

Halfway up the stairway, I heard the patter of paws, then four bloodhounds appeared on the balcony. Barking, they scampered around my feet, acting as though I’d been away for days, not hours. Patting each one, I tried to extricate myself from their unending need for attention.

The strains of violin music reached my ears. Taking three steps at a time, I flew along the east wing and the dogs bolted alongside me. Rachel was silhouetted against the window, caressing the strings with her bow. She stopped abruptly when I appeared.

Jacob sat in the corner. “Isn’t she talented?” He rose out of his chair to greet me.

Rachel smiled at him, lowering her bow.

“Where’s your brother?” I asked her, trying to keep the anger out of my tone.

“Don’t know,” she said.

“She plays beautifully,” Jacob said, smiling. “Like an angel.”

I gave a nod, and Rachel, still clutching her violin, headed for the door.

“Thank you for the performance,” Jacob called after her.

When her gaze caught mine, she quick-footed it out.

“That morose music is the last thing you need to hear,” I muttered. “What did you two talk about?”

“You, mostly.” His gaze met mine. “Turns out you’ve been keeping a secret from me. You play the violin, too.”

Unable to look at him, I strolled over to the window. I had just violated his privacy and stolen his thoughts.

Jacob joined me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “What other talents are you keeping from me?”

Across the street, a woman was shouting at a man standing on the street corner. He was either deaf or ignoring her.

I craved peace, a drama-free life. My nights had more than enough excitement. My son’s happiness and safety took precedence.

“Penny for your thoughts,” he said.

Yet his were free.I would not read them again – a vow I intended to keep.“Have you ever taken a boat down the River Thames?” I asked.

“Are you changing the subject?”

“Apparently, the view from the Thames is extraordinary.”

“Youarechanging the subject.”

“Wear something warm.”

Within an hour I had persuaded Jacob that he needed some leisure time with me.

The river boat swept us along.

The broad strokes of the oarsman guided us down the River Thames, and Jacob, Marcus, and I viewed the ever-changing vista. England had recently endured some harsh weather, but spring had morphed into summer. Having endured the bitter winter, we were grateful for the warmth. Despite the sun having set an hour ago, the heat lingered.

Marcus now seemed comfortable enough to look me in the eyes again and hold my gaze. After that evening back at Madam Rouge’s, when I’d kissed him, he had for a while tripped over his words. I’d done what I could to allay his reticence, trying to talk about it and clear the air. But he’d refused to discuss it.

It seemed he hoped for the promise of something more. He appeared to struggle with his feelings and wavered when I smiled his way.