Page 74 of Tears of Glass

Chapter Twenty

Elijah is gone by the time I wake up most mornings. Before I open my eyes, I slide my hand across the mattress and grumble under my breath. Then I mooch my way across London to class and spend the day in lectures and workshops while he does whatever it is that hot shot lawyers in three-piece suits do.

At night I go to the Mews under the cover of darkness and he makes me his own all over again.

My phone rings and I stretch against the luxurious bedding. Five days in I’ve come to the conclusion a cleaner must come in on a daily basis; either that or there are some housework fairies that make the bed every day.

I glance at the screen of my phone and smile, rolling over and snuggling under the duvet that smells of Elijah and sex. “Please tell me you aren’t still asleep.”

“Nope. I’ve been awake for ages, I’ve been for a run, done some sketching, and cleaned the kitchen.”

“Such a fibber.” Elijah’s voice purrs down the line and my stomach tightens in the most pleasurable way. “I’m hoping you’re free this evening?”

“Free? I’m free every night for you.” I stretch again, my muscles aching and pulling. “You know that.”

“I figured this time we could venture out of the house, maybe attempt dinner, some drinks; you know not just bedroom based activities.”

I raise myself up onto my elbows, hooking my phone under my chin. “I thought you liked our bedroom activities?”

“I do.” His voice is a low rumble and it sends a shiver along my skin. There’s a tap of keys in the background and it’s ridiculous to think he’s at work and I haven’t even managed to haul my lazy arse out of bed. “I just thought you might like to go out with me.”

“I’d love that.” I pause. “But what if we get seen? I thought I was still your secret.”

He sighs and there’s a lengthy stretch of silence.

“Anyway,” I say to fill it. “I think I’m out with people from uni later.” Why does this feel awkward. “I figured you’d be working.”

“It’s Friday, I’m not a complete dick.”

“I didn’t say you were. I just know how busy you are.”

“Where are you going? Maybe I could meet you.”

“Listen, I lied to Gerard the other day, told him that there was nothing between us.”

“You’re worried about lying to Gerard after what he’s done to you?”

“Hey, you’re the one who’s encouraged the new forgiving Faith.”

The keys in the background become a little louder. “Hmph.”

“Listen, I’d just rather not lie to anyone, but if you’ve got to sort things with your psychotic family, then so be it. And it’s not bothering me. It’s not like I mind being your dirty little secret you screw frantically every night.”

“Faith!”

I sit up and throw the duvet off. “Listen, I’ve got to get ready for classes.”

“I thought you were ready?” His voice softens with a teasing edge.

“Just another lie, Elijah.” I hang up the phone and pitch it onto the mattress before stalking to the bathroom. I flick on the shower and stand with my hands on my hips glaring at the powerful jets of water. Then I switch it back off again and go to collect my stuff.

Today I think I’ll shower in my own home.

Tabitha is on the couch, a bowl resting on her stomach. “Still bad, huh?” I ask as I drop my bag on the lounge floor.

“It’s fine. Absolutely fine.” She tries to get up but then just falls back on the pillows again, a thin film of sweat dotting along her pale skin. “Want me to make you one of those ginger teas, that helped yesterday?”

She shakes her head but doesn’t speak for a moment. Rolling over she gags into the bowl and I step up and rub her back. “You know,” I say, soothing her hair. “I can honestly say you’ve put me off pregnancy for a lifetime.” She shoots me a weak smile and then falls back on the sofa. “Seriously though, Tabs, you are being sick so much. I think we should ring the midwife back and get her advice.”