Chapter 9

Nicholas

Eliana sat on a white wooden bench in their backyard, chewing while staring into space. Despite the beauty of the garden with perennial beds and a short meandering walk, her mood remained sour. I approached slowly, pocketing my hands in my slacks. Somehow I knew she wasn't going to lash out at me.

"Have you thought about what she went through after her husband of more than 20 years was murdered, leaving her with her only child in search of his killer?" I started sitting beside her. I left a small space between us, not wanting to get any ideas. Ever since I saw her the first day I went to meet her mom, she intrigued me. Her natural beauty had me hooked, and despite reminders to myself of her young age, I couldn't stop wanting her.

"You're ruining my appetite," she mumbled, taking another bite of my food. I couldn't help but feel good that she liked my food. That hadn't been the reason I followed her outside, so I continued.

"Yes, he w