Chapter 127

Audrey

Topened my eyes and immediately felt my stomach drop.

We were standing on a narrow ledge high up on what appeared to be a church tower, the city of Paris spread out below us. The wind whipped around our shoulders, tugging at my clothes and hair.

"Oh. Goddess," I gasped, instinctively clinging to Edwin. My fingers dug into his jacket as I pressed myself against him, terrified of the dizzying height. "Edwin, what are we doing up here?" Edwin's arm tightened around me, his body warm and solid against mine. "It's okay," he murmured, his breath tickling my ear. "I've got you. You won't fall."

"Are you sure about that?" I squeaked, my eyes screwed shut. I could feel the ledge beneath my feet, narrow and unforgiving. Just one wrong step, or a well-timed gust of wind, and-

I felt his chuckle rumble through his chest. "Positive. Come on, open your eyes. The view is worth it, I promise."

Slowly, I forced myself to look. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I realized that he was right. The city was breathtaking from up here, a sea of tw**ing lights and crooked buildings. The Eiffel Tower stood out in the distance, illuminated against the night sky

"Wow," I breathed, my fear gradually receding as I took in the magnificent view. "Its... beautiful."

Edwin pointed out landmarks to me, his voice low. "See there? That's the Seine, winding through the city. And over there, you can just make out the Arc de Triomphe."

I nodded, too busy drinking it all in to speak. The cool night air was even starting to feel refreshing now, rather than terrifying. "Is this... is this your favorite place in Paris?" I asked, looking up at him.

His expression tightened, but I swore I could see a flicker of nostalgia in his eyes. "It is. I used to come here on my own as a kid. I would sneak in late at night and just sit up here, looking at the view." I turned to him, surprised. "Sounds dangerous for a kid.

"Probably." He shrugged, and his arm tightened further around my waist. "But it felt like an escape. A way to look at the world from an outsider's perspective, to disconnect from everyone else and just be alone."

I studied his face, noticing the faraway look in his eyes. I was learning a lot about the icy Alpha tonight. I was hungry for more, but I didn't want to push it. "I'm surprised you would share this place with me, then," I said softly. "It seems so personal."

Edwin looked down at me and raised his hand, his knuckle brushing my cheek gently. His fingers, cool and callused. lingered there for a few moments. I didn't even dream of pulling away, because if there was one thing I had learned as of late, it was that there was no telling when we would get a moment like this again.

special now that

touch. Swallowing hard, I turned away, my eyes landing on the large bells nearby. I walked over to them, placing my hand on the

voice echoing loudly into the bell I jumped, startled

I hissed, glancing around nervously. "Someone might hear

13:03 Wed, Sep 18

Chapter 127

eye that made him look years younger. "Try it," he urged. "It's fun, I promise. No one will hear us from down there." Hesitantly, I leaned towards

sound echoed back to me, amplified and slightly

Now really let it out. Shout

breath, I shouted into the bell-nothing coherent, just a wild wh**p and a giggle. Edwin followed suit, and soon we were taking turns shouting into the bell,

that bell,

once been. It made me wonder what had happened over the years to make him so

Fiona, forcing him into a marriage he clearly didn't want. And no one, not even his

to make anyone bitter,

moment, I wanted to hold him, to be there for him. Even if there was nothing I could do to help, wanted to show him that he had at least one ally in this cruel world. I reached for him, my fingers nearly coming into contact with his hand, and

rang out, cutting through our laughter. "Hey You can't be

"Run!" he yelled, pulling

down the steps, our footsteps echoing in the narrow stairwell. I could hear the security guard shouting behind us, but we

short gasps. Suddenly, a vespa came out of nowhere, its headlight blinding in the darkness, and I yelped as Edwin yanked me out of its path. The driver swerved and shouted

were both gasping for air. Edwin pulled me into a narrow alley, and we leaned

shirt.

at Edwin, a giggle escaping me. But the laughter died in my throat as I saw the way he was

could feel the heat radiating from his body. Without thinking. I grabbed his jacket, tugging him even closer. The leather was smooth under my fingers, and he lurched forward, his hands slamming into

I whispered, surprised by my own boldness. A command-not a

desire warring with something else-responsibility. maybe, or guilt. But then, with a low growl, he cupped my

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