Chapter 177

Dashiell had never been this close to Elodie before, never witnessed the raw, unadulterated beauty hidden beneath the layers of guarded wariness. Regret, sharp and sudden, tore through him. Why hadn’t he fought harder for her? Why hadn’t he seen what was right in front of him all along? But when she nipped playfully at his bottom lip, growling ‘Ari’ against his mouth, Dashiell’s good mood evaporated. Pushing her away, Dashiell scowled. ‘Stop calling me that. I’m not him.’ Elodie pouted, looking adorably vulnerable. ‘Buuuut...you look like him. And smell like him. And taste like him...’ Dashiell groaned, feeling a sudden wave of guilt wash over him. Had he unconsciously mimicked Ari’s scent, hoping to win Elodie’s favour? The realisation made him sick to his stomach. Without warning, Elodie threw her arms around him again, pressing her body flush against his. Dashiell hesitated, torn between duty and desire. Could he betray Ari like this? Would he be able to live with himself afterwards