Belladonna turned to the door, ready to leave.
“Donna?”
Something about the way he called her name made her stop and turn to him wordlessly until the silence forced her to speak.
“What?”
His lips parted, like he was about to say something but instead, he walked to her and pressed a kiss against her lips.
“Eli.” She pulled away.
“Goodnight.”
She left the room but a moment later, Zesika was at the door. “Did you find her, Sir—”
“Get out of my face.” Eli slammed the door shut.
He rubbed his hand over his lips vigorously as if to rub away every evidence of the kiss. His fingers hovered over the necklace she had gifted him as if to yank it away but he stopped himself and groaned. His hand gripped either side of his head and the alterer on his chest reappeared, glowing softly.
___
___
Lytio was surprised to see Belladonna at the door of his study.
