Chapter 19

Callum lifted his head slightly from where it had been buried in the crook of Nadia's neck. His eyes were glassy as he stared at the wall. When he spoke, his voice softened unexpectedly gently, like he was coaxing a sulking child, "From now on… no matter the day, if you want to come over, anytime… I'll be here. I'll give you everything." The completely off-topic reply made Nadia's heart sink like a stone. He wasn't lucid at all. Without warning, Nadia twisted around and sank her teeth into his shoulder. She bit down with all her strength, and almost instantly, the taste of blood filled her mouth. Callum let out a muffled grunt. But instead of getting angry, he laughed—a twisted, feverish kind of laugh. "Mrs. Ford wants to try something new?" The pain seemed to excite him, pushing him further toward the edge. He leaned in again, one arm tightening around her, trapping her. His other hand tilted her chin up, aiming for another kiss. "Callum! Don't!" Nadia cried, her voice hoars