Chapter 130
Chapter 130
VENUS
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Sleep crept in like a thief, slow and quiet. For the first time in what felt like centuries, I let it take me without resistance. I was warm, safe, pressed against Aaron’s chest, wrapped in the scent of coffee and something darker, something distinctly him. His arms were around me like steel bands, one curled protectively around my waist, the other tangled in my hair. His heartbeat was my lullaby.
I slept.
Until I didn’t.
A noise.
Soft. Distant. Innocuous to anyone else.
But I wasn’t anyone else anymore. Not after Gerald. Not after the grave. Not after the way every rustle had meant a shovel of dirt or a change in his breathing. Not after silence had meant the end.
I stirred before my mind was fully awake. My body already alert, tensing against the warmth I was cocooned
Aaron’s grip tightened reflexively around me.
Even in sleep, he felt the shift.
His arm locked around my waist like a chain, like even in his dreams he wasn’t willing to risk losing me again. A strangled sound caught in my throat. Not fear. Not anymore. Just… awe. A strange, aching warmth that hollowed out my chest.
I moved slowly, easing onto my side, and propped myself up on one elbow. His hand slid down to rest over my thigh, large and possessive, even in unconsciousness. My breath caught.
Why was he doing this for me?
When we’d go our separate ways in months?
Maybe he feels guilty.
He thinks it’s his fault that Gerald took me. I don’t blame him for anything.
But that had to be it.
There was a quiet knock at the door before it creaked open.
Gianna entered first, her dark hair in a high bun, face pale and eyes rimmed red. Sabine followed her, close behind, her elegance dimmed by what looked like weeks of sleepless nights.
Gianna gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
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Chapter 130
“Venus,” she whispered, voice trembling.
The second my name left her lips, something in me cracked.
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I sat up fully, Aaron’s hand sliding off me. Gianna crossed the room in a few steps, falling to her knees by the bed as she reached for me.
“You’re awake, I thought. Oh my God I thought the worst. We were so worried. I-” Her voice broke.
I collapsed into her embrace, our sobs mingling.
Sabine joined us, pulling both of us into her arms. She smelled the same. Jasmine and sharp citrus. Like home.
“You came back to us,” she whispered against my hair. “My God, we got you back p>
Gianna pulled back, her eyes scanning my face. “You’re thinner,” she said with a shaky laugh. “And your hair’s a mess p>
“You should see the rest of me,” I rasped.
She sobered instantly, brushing my cheek. “He won’t hurt you again. I promise p>
Another voice cut through the reunion.
“Looks like I missed the welcome party p>
I turned toward the door and froze.
Lucien.
Tall. Impeccably dressed. As cool and stylish as I remember him in London.
“Lucien p>
He nodded once. A quiet smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Venus p>
“Don’t judge my fashion sense too hard. It’s been a rough few months.” I made a joke to lighten up the mood.
“You’re exempted ” he gave me a small smile. Gianna and Sabine chuckled.
I looked at Gianna, then back at him. They exchanged a glance-not tense. Not bitter. But something else.
“You two are… civil?” I asked.
Gianna raised an eyebrow. “It’s a long story p>
Lucien stepped closer, but not too close. He looked at Aaron sleeping beside me, then at the girls.
“Maybe not the time for it p>
20:30 Wed, Jan 14 M p>
Chapter 130
I glanced down at Aaron. He hadn’t moved, but his hand had somehow ended up back on my thigh.
“How is he still asleep?” I whispered.
Sabine answered gently, “Because this is the first time in months he’s let himself p>
I blinked.
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Gianna nodded. “He refused to rest. Barely ate. Refused to stop searching. It was like his body was running on pure vengeance p>
I looked down at Aaron, my throat tight. How had I not seen it before? The sharp edges. The desperation. The fire behind his every word.
“He thought he lost you,” Sabine said simply.
I swallowed hard. My hand reached out and ran through Aaron’s hair gently. He didn’t stir.
They all went quiet again.
But the weight in the room shifted.
Because there was still one question clawing at my insides.
“My mother,” I said, voice harder than I expected. “Where is she p>
Sabine stiffened. Gianna looked away.
Lucien’s jaw ticked.
“What happened?” I asked again.
This time, sharper.
No one answered at first.
Finally, Sabine exhaled. “She’s alive. Under house arrest for the mean time because of her condition, Dain and Billy are under solitary confinement. They confessed about everything. I can’t believe she’d do that to you p>
My stomach dropped. “ohh”
“It’s for the best Venus. They never deserved you.” She said softly.
Gianna stepped forward, eyes hard. “She drugged you, Venus. Lied to your face. Delivered you to them p>
My breath hitched. Something sharp and bitter twisted in my gut.
Aaron stirred behind me. His fingers flexed on my thigh.
“You don’t have to think about her right now,” Sabine said softly.
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Chapter 130
But I did.
I had to.
Because betrayal cuts deepest when it wears your mother’s face.
She’s the only parental figure I’ve known.
Right now I just don’t know how to feel.
AD
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.