He hadn't actually meant to say that, but he couldn't control it. Nevertheless, it was the truth and violence only recognised the violent truth
What else would have compelled him to ever say such a thing? And she was wearing the dress he had requested for her the previous day.
It matched the black he was wearing perfectly. Too perfectly
And her hair… She was doing it differently. It exposed the soft skin of her nape to his view. She was standing close enough for him to smell every scent she had bathed with.
And his senses were incredibly heightened.
He jerked every time Aunt Adisa's fork clattered on her plate. Even Uncle Casmere's breathing was so loud.
Every sound was worse than amplified, forcing themselves on him with maddening intensity. Claire's breathing had increased from the fast rhythm he had grown used to, to a rhythm that could only be matched by a speeding cheetah in an open savanna.
"May I be excused?" She asked curtly, her tone icy.
