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.

now that you've

s***d a beat at his words and touch. Swallowing hard, I turned away, my eyes landing on the large bells nearby. I walked over

into the bell I jumped, startled by

I hissed, glancing around nervously. "Someone might

13:03 Wed, Sep 18

Chapter 127

was grinning, a mischievous glint in his eye that made him look years younger. "Try it," he urged. "It's fun, I promise. No one will hear us from down

as even that soft sound echoed

his smile widening. Now really let

wh**p and a giggle. Edwin followed suit, and soon we were taking turns shouting into the bell, our voices

that bell, I caught

happened over the years to make him so guarded,

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

to make anyone bitter, I

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

shout rang out, cutting through our

hand. "Run!" he yelled, pulling me

I could hear the security guard shouting behind us, but we

bustling city. The cool night air rushed past us as we ran, our breaths coming in 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

down side streets and alleyways until we were both gasping for air. Edwin pulled me into a narrow alley, and we leaned against the wall, trying to catch our breath. The rough brick scraped against

shirt.

the laughter died in my throat as I saw the way he was looking at me. Hist smile had faded, replaced by an intensity that made

jacket, tugging him even closer. The leather was smooth under my fingers, and

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

hesitated. I could see the conflict in his eyes, the desire warring with something else-responsibility. maybe, or guilt. But then, with a low growl, he cupped

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255