The next morning, Adeline was freshly showered and getting ready for the day when she received a phone call from Lydia. She was sitting by the vanity as Elias hovered over her, his long fingers brushing upon the jewelry boxes, selecting something for her to wear.
"Hello?" Adeline spoke into the phone, noticing Elias's eyes immediately trailing to her. He stared at her intensely, one hand on the back of her chair, and the other picking up a dangling earring. He was standing close enough to touch her, but didn't.
"Addy, great news!" Lydia chirped, adjusting the phone to her other ear as she waved William out of her sight. He sighed at her behavior, but left nonetheless, leaving the progress report on her desk.
"What is it?" Adeline asked, smiling a bit at Elias when he slipped the earring onto her. His touch was cold, but her skin was too warm. She instantly shivered, but leaned into his icy caress, wanting it to soothe the heat of her body.
