Canvas of Our Souls by Fortuna Lux

Author:Fortuna Lux [Fortuna Lux]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fortuna Lux LLC
Published: 2024-04-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

The gentle scratching of the pencil against paper fills the sunlit studio, a soothing counterpoint to the chaotic jumble of my thoughts. I lose myself in the familiar dance of creation, each stroke bringing my vision one step closer to reality.

But even as the design takes shape, a gorgeous riot of jewel tones and sumptuous textures, a nagging sense of unease tugs at the edges of my concentration.

It hasn't been long since I moved in with Kade and took that flying leap into our happily ever after. And don't get me wrong, it's been magical - lazy Sunday mornings tangled in Egyptian cotton, stolen kisses over takeout containers, inside jokes and shared secrets whispered in the velvet dark.

But beneath the shiny veneer of domestic bliss, a hairline fracture spreads, spider-webbing through the foundation of us.

Chloe.

The name that haunts me, a specter hanging heavy over every perfect moment. It mocks me from the pages of Kade's sketchbook, from the faded ink on his skin. A past he guards so fiercely, even as he lays claim to my present, my future.

I know it's unfair, this gnawing insecurity. Kade has never given me a reason to doubt his devotion, his steadfast belief in our love. But still, the questions persist, insidious whispers in the early morning.

Lost in the labyrinth of my own spiraling doubts, I almost miss the insistent buzz of my phone. Kade's name flashes across the screen, a welcome distraction from the tempest in my mind.

"Hey, you," I answer, aiming for breezy and missing by a mile. "What's up?"

"I've got a surprise for you." Kade's voice is tinny through the speaker, but I can hear the undercurrent of excitement, of mischief. "You ready?"

Before I can respond, the screen fills with an image that sends my heart careening against my ribcage.

It's Kade, shirtless and grinning, fresh ink stark against his golden skin. And there, directly over his heart, is my name. Wreathed in jasmine and honeysuckle, the flowing script is a perfect mirror to the tattoo I know is emblazoned across his ribs.

For a moment, I'm speechless, emotions rising in a tidal wave - awe, disbelief, a hot rush of possessive pleasure. But before I can find my voice, the giddy elation is swallowed by a darker undercurrent. An oily dread that coats my tongue.

Is this what he does? Tattoo the names of all the women he loves, a walking memorial to every girl he's ever saved with his particular brand of devotion? Am I just the latest in a long line, a new canvas for him to paint his savior complex across?

Swallowing past the sudden knot in my throat, I try for a smile, praying it reaches my eyes. "It's beautiful, Kade. Really. I'm...honored."

Something flickers across his face, the briefest shadow of confusion before his gaze gentles. "Honored? Lei, this is a promise. A vow. You're it for me, babe. Endgame."

The words are a balm, a soothing hand on the fractious animal of my unease. But still, the specter remains, an oily film I can't quite blink away.

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