Eternal Love: (The Cursed Series, Book 4)

by Kara Leigh Miller

  “Trent has given me so many chances to walk away, but I don’t want to. Getting involved in this is my choice. You didn’t fail,” I repeated.

  He didn’t look at me, but he didn’t have to. His face was reflected in the window, and the sheen of unshed tears filled his eyes.

  “But I promise to keep Larissa and Little Frank out of this. I won’t tell them anything,” I said.

  “Thank you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Sometimes, I think I should have stuck around.” Sighing, he shoved his hands into his pockets and hung his head. “Maybe if I had, we could’ve dealt with things together. But I was so terrified of anything happening to you…” He shook his head. “You mother begged me not to leave, but I was so sure it was the only way to protect you.”

  I had no idea what had gotten into my father tonight, but I liked hearing him talk about Mom like this. I knew so little about their life together, and my memories of the three of us were fuzzy, having been so young when he left.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t give our family that chance.” He cleared his throat and rubbed his hands over his face, then turned toward me. “Don’t make my mistakes, Chloe. If you truly love Trent, then love him completely. Trust him, even when you think you know what’s best.”

  A lump formed in my throat, and my thoughts instantly went to what I was doing with Isach and Ivy. Trent had no idea, and I wasn’t planning on telling him until I knew how it would all work, what the terms of the deal were. Why get his hopes up if I couldn’t make our dream a reality? That just seemed cruel.

  “I will,” I whispered and hugged him.

  He hugged me back, his hold tighter than I expected, but he released me quickly. “It’s getting late, and we have a big day tomorrow.”

  Tomorrow was the New Year’s Eve party. I wiped the tears from my eyes. “Thanks, Dad.”

  I said good night and headed up to my room but hesitated outside my door. Little Frank’s room was silent, which meant Trent was probably in his own room. I knocked softly on his door and then opened it.

  He was in bed, one hand tucked behind his head, and he was flipping through the TV channels. When he saw me, he smiled.

  I walked into his room, quietly closing the door behind me.

  He folded back the blankets, and I climbed into bed with him, taking my spot curled up to his side. He draped the blankets over my body, wrapped his arm around me, and then kissed my forehead.

  “Did you have fun with Little Frank?” I rested my head on his chest and rubbed my hand across his bare stomach.

  “He’s a cute kid. I like hanging out with him.” Trent stroked his fingers up and down my back, and I wiggled closer to him. “Did you have a nice talk with your dad?”

  “You heard?” I asked, not really needing him to answer.

  “Yes.” He kissed the top of my head, squeezing me tighter to his body. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.” I sighed. “Can I ask you something?”

  Trent turned off the TV, shrouding us in darkness, the only light coming from the sliver of the moon shining through the half open drapes.

  “Always.” His voice was low and raspy, as if he were trying to contain his emotions.

  “If there was a way we could have a baby, would you do it?” I asked.

  He tensed. “There isn’t a way.”

  “I know.” I swallowed hard, not ready to tell him he was wrong. “But if there was. If there was some sort of magic spell or potion or something that would let us have a baby, would you do it?”

  “Depends on what it would cost us. Magic never comes free, remember?” he said.

  Any hope I had of him being excited about this opportunity deflated. There was no way I could tell him now. Not yet. Not until I knew what this would cost us. Or rather, me, because I was the one making the deal, and I’d be the one to pay for it.

  The question was: just how much was I willing to give up to get what I wanted?

  “But make no mistake, Chloe.” He tilted my head so I was looking at him. “If there was a way, I’d be making a baby with you right now.”

  So, he did want to have a baby with me. He just didn’t want it to cost us everything we’ve worked for.

  I climbed on top of him, my lips finding his in a kiss borne of want and desperation and need. I so desperately wanted the picture-perfect life with him, but I had a sinking feeling I was willing to sacrifice a lot more than he was. I’d draw the line at risking him, though. Or our relationship.

  “I love you,” I said and stripped off my shirt.

  Trent wrapped his arms around me, then rolled us over so I was now underneath him. His body was warm and comfortably heavy against me. “What’s going on, Chloe?”

  “What do you mean?”

  He smoothed my hair from my face. “You’re acting weird.”

  I laughed. “No, I’m not.”

  He sighed. “Yes, you are. You’ve been weird since we got here, and I’m starting to worry. And now you’re asking me about having a baby.”

  “I told you. It’s just strange being back here, and knowing my dad knows about you…” I shrugged awkwardly. “And seeing you with Little Frank.” My throat clogged with emotion. “I guess it’s just bringing up a lot of feelings I thought I’d dealt with.”

  His expression softened, but his eyes were dark. “Feelings about not being able to have a child of your own?”

  I nodded, grateful it was dark, and he couldn’t see the tears in my eyes. The last thing I wanted to do was upset him, and I knew that’s exactly what my confession would do, but I couldn’t hide it from him, either.

  He wiped my cheek. I should’ve known the lack of light didn’t matter to him. “I’m so sorry,” he said. His lips grazed over mine, the soft touch sending a spark through my body.

  “It’s not just me, though. I’m sad that you can’t father a child, either, because watching you this week…” I paused to get my emotions in check. “You’d be a great dad.”

  “We can still be great parents, Chloe.” He’d said that before, too, but the normal conviction in his tone was missing. “And we will be.” His mouth came down on mine.

  He was right about that—we would be fantastic parents. To our own biological child. I was going to do everything in my power to make sure that happened. And when it did, Trent would be thrilled. I knew he would.

  Shifting his weight, Trent settled between my legs. “Stay with me tonight?” He teased my bottom lip and nipped at my chin.

  “There’s nowhere else I want to be,” I said, scraping my fingernails down his back.

  He groaned, his kisses growing harder and more dominant. “I love you so much, Chloe.” He left my mouth and trailed his lips down my throat.

  My pulse pounded, punching erratically against his mouth, and I arched into him.

  “I’d do anything for you. You know that, right?” he said.

  “Yes.” I tangled my fingers through his hair. And I was counting on that when I finally told him there was a way for us to conceive a child.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX:

  New Year’s Eve

  TRENT TRAILED HIS FINGERS DOWN MY bare arm, leaving goose bumps in his wake. “We should really start getting dressed.” He chuckled.

  I groaned in protest. “But I’m comfortable right here.” I wiggled closer at the same time he pulled me tighter against his side.

  “I know.” He kissed the top of my head. “I am, too, but Frank and Larissa will kill us if we miss this party.”

  I sighed. The week had flown by, and now it was New Year’s Eve. The party we were going to with my dad and Larissa was at one of the most expensive and haughty hotels in the city. Dad had booked two rooms on two separate floors—one for him and Larissa, and one for me and Trent.

  We’d arrived a couple of hours ago, and as usual, Trent and I hadn’t been able to keep our hands off each other. That was happening a lot more lately, and I knew it was because of the bond. It grew stronger every day. Now, we were snuggl
ed together in the massively comfortable bed, and I didn’t want to move. I’d be perfectly content to stay here all night, but I knew I couldn’t.

  “Fine,” I grumbled and climbed out of bed.

  Trent chuckled, and I shot him a dirty look, but I wasn’t able to contain my smile. I locked myself in the bathroom for almost an hour so I could shower, dress, put on makeup, and style my hair.

  The dress I’d picked was simple—crushed red velvet that hugged all my curves, thick straps converging into a V-neck that gave my breasts a natural lift, and short.

  I remembered the way Trent had reacted to my Fall Ball dress, and this one was similar, though a little sexier. I’d even found matching red heels. I twisted around in front of the bathroom mirror and smiled. Trent was going to love it.

  I emerged to find Trent dressed in a black tuxedo, one that appeared to be tailormade for his body. When he saw me, he bolted up from where he’d been sitting on the foot of the bed. I stood still, letting his gaze rake over me like a heated caress.

  “You are, hands down, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” His tone was raspy, his eyes dark with lustful desire. He sauntered toward me, each step predatory. “My God, Chloe.” He took my hand and spun me in a slow circle so he could get a full view.

  I smiled, pleased with his reaction. “You’re looking pretty sexy yourself.” I ran my hands down the lapels of his jacket, then around his waist before clasping my hands against his back.

  “I don’t know if I’m going to have to kill any guy who looks at you, or stand there and smile, knowing I have something they want. Something they can never have.” His voice dipped even lower, and his eyes darkened even more.

  My breath caught. “Let’s not kill anyone, okay?”

  “If you insist.” He smiled, then captured my lips in what was very clearly a possessive kiss.

  Like he had anything to worry about—I was his soulmate. For eternity. And I had no intention of ever leaving him.

  Reluctantly, we left our room and waited for the elevator, which was packed with men and women dressed in tuxedos and fancy ball gowns. I glanced down at myself, worried I was under-dressed.

  Trent eased his arm around my waist, and I shoved the thoughts away. I felt incredible in this dress, and Trent loved it, so that’s all that mattered to me.

  When we arrived at the banquet room, it was already full. Soft white lighting illuminated the massive room, showcasing the romantic glow of candles in the center of each table.

  I glanced around, looking for Dad and Larissa, but it was impossible to find them in this crowd. Trent placed his hand on the small of my back, and we made our way through the room. Each table was decorated the same—gold tablecloths that matched the gold rimmed place settings, sparkling crystal glasses for champagne, and festive “Happy New Year” centerpieces.

  There would be a five-course meal followed by live music and dancing—and an open bar. Larissa had mentioned something about raffles, but I’d been too busy checking my phone for messages from Isach that I hadn’t really paid much attention.

  “There they are,” I said, pointing to a table in the middle of the room.

  Weaving our way through the throng of bodies, we reached their table. Dad stood when he saw us, and his eyebrows shot up.

  Shoot. I hadn’t even considered how Dad might react to this dress. Though, if Larissa thought it was okay, then Dad shouldn’t have a problem with it, either. He almost never disagreed with her.

  “You look lovely, Chloe.” Dad smiled; then he nodded at Trent.

  “Thank you,” I said. “And you look beautiful, Larissa.” She wore a long, black chiffon dress that made her skin glow.

  She winked at me. “Sit.” She motioned at the table.

  Place cards were folded neatly on each plate. Trent and I found our names, and he pulled out my chair for me. I thanked him and sat. He took his seat next to me, and then easily fell into a conversation with my father.

  I took the time to soak in the atmosphere. Balloons and confetti were secured to the ceiling with a clear, mesh net. I guessed they’d be released at midnight. A thrill of excitement shot down my back. In a few short hours, I’d finally get a real New Year’s Eve kiss.

  Near the front of the room, a band took the stage and began to play soft dinner music. People who had been mingling quickly found their seats, and waiters filed into the room.

  Trent rested his hand on my leg, and heat spread from his touch. I glanced at him, and he smiled in return, the type of smile that made me want to drag him back up to our room. He could just as easily kiss me there at midnight as he could here. Though, I was sure my father wouldn’t be too pleased if we disappeared. I imagined this evening cost him quite a bit of money.

  Dinner was divine—tomato bisque soup, Caesar salad, glazed bacon wrapped scallops, hand-breaded parmesan crusted chicken with roasted potatoes and grilled zucchini, followed with the most decadent chocolate lava cake topped with ice cream, fudge, and crushed candy pieces.

  I forced every last bite into my mouth, and when I was finished, all I wanted to do was go to sleep. Gorging probably hadn’t been an incredibly good idea. Once dinner was cleared from the table, the band picked up the tempo, and couples converged onto the dance floor, including Dad and Larissa.

  Trent stood, then held his hand out to me. Smiling, I graciously accepted his offer, and he led me onto the now crowded dance floor. My movements felt sluggish, though, probably because I’d eaten too much. But I refused to ruin the night simply because I had no self-control.

  After three or four faster songs, the band played a slow song, and Trent didn’t hesitate to tug me into his arms. “Having fun?” he asked.

  I nodded, unable to stop smiling. “More than I thought I would.” I laughed.

  Who would have thought hanging out with my dad and stepmom on New Year’s Eve would be so much fun?

  “I can tell.” His smile was full of warmth. “Your eyes light up when you’re really happy. It stuns me every time, just how vibrant and beautiful you are.”

  My breath caught, and my heart melted at his compliment. “You have this way of looking at me sometimes. You smile, faintly, but your eyes are this crisp piercing blue, and they twinkle like we know something no one else does. I can’t explain it, but every time you do that…” I shook my head, feeling slightly foolish for telling him that.

  “What?” he said, encouraging me to finish what I’d started.

  “My heart flutters. My insides feel like they’re melting. My knees go weak. I lose my breath. It’s really not fair,” I said with a laugh to lighten the mood.

  And then he looked at me exactly as I’d just described.

  “Yeah, like that,” I said.

  He lowered his mouth to mine, giving me a tender kiss that was cut short when the song ended. Straightening, he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “That’s how I feel every time you look at me.”

  “Chloe?”

  I froze, eyes wide, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on edge. There was only one person in the world who could say my name like that.

  Slowly, I turned around and came face to face with Simon Parker. He looked exactly like he had the last time I’d seen him, only… happier. And his hair was no longer frosted blond. That was disappointing; he’d looked good with the touch of blond against his otherwise dark locks.

  “I thought it was you.” He smiled, hands tucked loosely in his pockets.

  “Simon,” I said, stunned.

  Why hadn’t Larissa told me Simon would be here tonight? I wanted to hug him, to tell him again that I was sorry for how I’d left things between us, but I wasn’t going to do that to Trent. I knew how upset I’d be if he hugged another girl in front of me.

  Trent stood closely beside me, his hand planted firmly on my hip in a show of possession.

  “How are you?” Simon asked, his gaze darting briefly to Trent before landing on me. “I didn’t know you were back.”

  “Oh, I’m
not. I mean, I’m just visiting my dad for the holidays. We’re actually leaving tomorrow,” I said, leaning against Trent and nervously licking my lips.

  Simon nodded. “I wish you’d have called. We could’ve hung out.”

  “She’s been busy,” Trent said, his tone lethal.

  I slipped my arm around Trent’s waist, hoping the gesture would calm him. “You remember Trent, right?” I asked Simon.

  “He’s hard to forget,” Simon said, his gaze never leaving me. “So, you two together, yeah?”

  “Yeah.” I nodded, then gave him an apologetic smile, though I wasn’t sure why. I wasn’t sorry to be with Trent. I was sorry, however, about how Simon had been caught in the middle and unnecessarily hurt.

  “You look happy.” Simon smiled.

  Thankfully, my father chose that moment to stride over. His face was red, as if he’d had too much to drink. “Simon!” Dad clapped Simon on the back. “Your father here?”

  “Yes, sir,” Simon said. “He’s sitting over there.” He pointed to a table in the farthest corner.

  “Fantastic.” Dad grinned. “I’ll go talk to him as soon as I dance with my daughter.” He held his arms out. Yup, he was close to being drunk. “Well?”

  I glanced up at Trent, and he gave me a genuine smile. “Don’t do anything stupid,” I whispered so only he could hear, and then I accepted my dad’s invitation to dance. He twirled me around the floor so fast I became dizzy.

  I laughed. “You’re having fun.”

  “Aren’t you?” he asked, brow furrowed.

  “Actually, I am.” And I knew it was only going to get better.

  Dad led me around the dance floor like he was a pro, and I happily followed along. “I took you to a daddy-daughter dance when you were five. Remember?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “Well, I did.” He spun me around again. “Back then, you were so little, and you had to stand on the top of my feet to dance.” He chuckled. “I have pictures of that somewhere. I’ll have to dig them out and send them to you.”

  My eyebrows shot up. He’d saved pictures of me from when I was a little girl? “Yeah, I’d like that,” I said.