Page 75 of Temporary Vows

"Are you okay?" Skylar studies me with concern.

"I’m okay. But part of me is a little… overwhelmed."

There was a provision in the NDA that allowed me to tell her what was going on, but she had to sign a non-disclosure, too. She didn’t judge me, criticize, or go crazy like Jack, which I was glad for. But I never told her about the things that worry me on a deeper level. Mostly because I don’t want to appear uncertain.

Skylar moves to the armchair across from me and lowers herself into it. She pulls her legs up, tucks them beneath herthe way she always does when she's settling in for a real conversation. "It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, you know."

"I know. I guess it’s just a lot to take in.” I press my palms flat against the duvet. “And then there’s Dorian. He’s going to be my husband. And we’re supposed to have kids.”Soon.

It took real guts to come here last night and make my demands. All of my requests meant something to me, but the last one—the no IVF—worried me the most.

I was glad Dorian agreed. I’d read about the rigorous side effects, and I truly didn’t want to put my body through such a thing if I didn’t have to.

But on the flipside, I knew that meant sleeping with him. I was just trying to be sensible. And now I was faced with the consequence of my request.

I’ve never even had a one-night stand. I’m not sure how I am supposed to have what will technically be meaningless sex, even though we will be trying for a baby.

My entire body flushes at the thought of being with him in such a way, and I can’t help but wonder what it will be like.

When I kissed him, he tasted like darkness. I barely managed to survive that.

Skylar straightens, brushing her hair over her shoulders. The movement pulls me out of my thoughts.

"Have you heard from him today?”

"No." I shake my head.

She watches me for a moment. "I know the whole thing sounds far-fetched, but I would rather this than have your life in danger. There was only so much you could take of Marcus and his demands."

“I couldn’t agree more.”

"And as for Chloe?—"

My hand goes to my forehead. "I don't even want to hear that name."

"Sweetie, you're going to have to face it at some point. You can't just let her off the hook." Skylar's voice is gentle but firm, the way it gets when she's saying the thing I don't want to hear. "Did you file the police report?"

"A few days ago."

"Good. That’s a start.”

It was, and the best I can do right now is leave the police to do their jobs.

What Chloe did—and the hell she put me through—God, it sits in my chest like poison. Every time I breathe too deeply, it tightens, reminding me of its presence.

I don’t want to live inside that feeling. I want to push it aside and take a break, then maybe I can deal with it when I don’t feel like I’m drowning.

"This is a start fresh, Elodie." Skylar gives me a warm smile. "And it allows you to focus on your career."

“Exactly.” I nod.

"I just wish you sounded better." She looks me over. "You look and sound… numb.”

I release a breath and gaze out the window again. “I need time. Time to get my head around everything.”

I look back at Skylar and attempt a brighter smile. “I’m nervous, exhausted, and I hate being at war with Jack.”

“Those are all perfectly understandable. And I’m sure you’re worried about being with Dorian, too." She holds my gaze. "You had deep feelings for him."