Two Lines Read Online Free PDF

unplaiting the woman’s thick rope of hair. The tendrils were like living things in Eavan’s hands, as if night had taken solid form. “You look lovely, Grandmama.”
    â€œOf course.” Nyx stretched; muscles that shouldn’t exist rippled under her wrinkleless skin. The strength in those muscles would make it a simple thing to crush Eavan’s throat—and no one would stop her. Eavan learned that lesson years ago when she stood up to Nyx the first time.
    And a dozen times since.
    Nyx wasn’t callous, no more so than anyone else in the house, but she was in charge. Forgetting that was unwise.
    â€œBring him in,” Nyx said.
    The tension in Eavan’s body rose. She paused a heartbeat longer. “Him? Grandmama, what have you—”
    â€œYou’ve stopped brushing, Eavan. I don’t like that.”
    Dutifully, Eavan resumed the measured strokes, gripping the olivewood handle, pulling the tufts of boar bristles through the thick tresses, keeping her eyes on her task—and not looking at the man who’d entered the room.
    Like a lamb to slaughter .
    â€œI’ve checked all the windows,” he said by way of greeting.
    â€œLovely.” Nyx rolled her shoulders. “Keeping brushing, Eavan.”
    â€œYes, Nyx.” Eavan stayed in her increasingly uncomfortable position on the back of the sofa where Nyx was seated. She didn’t look up at him. If Nyx had brought him here, had insisted Eavan meet him, he was dangerous. His voice alone, a deep growling bass, was proof of that.
    Temptation. Eavan knew her family wasn’t above underhanded tricks; treachery was their first instinct. Perhaps it’s not that. She knew better though. Nyx didn’t rule one of the strongest clans of glaistigs by accepting defeat. Ever.
    â€œThe windows aren’t secure at all,” the man added. “A screwdriver and—”
    â€œRight, so we’ll replace those. NeNe?” Nyx made an imperious motion.
    â€œHere.” NeNe held out a blank check. “Fix whatever needs fixing.”
    â€œOur home’s security is very important, Mr. Owens,” Chloe said.
    â€œIt’s Cillian, ma’am,” he corrected.
    Eavan paused at the change in timber of his voice; he also sounded almost as assertive as Nyx. When Eavan looked up, her fears were confirmed: he was perfect, a visual feast, lean, confident, and seemingly unintimidated by the nest of vipers he was in. His instincts should be telling him to flee or to bow before Nyx. He did neither. He stood there as if oblivious to her charm, to all of their allure.
    Eavan couldn’t help but stare, just as Nyx undoubtedly expected. He was fit without being bulky, muscular and toned. If not for his almost pouty lips, his face would be too stern. As it was, he looked just this side of fierce—not easily daunted or foolishly aggressive. It made her want to see what it took to provoke him.
    I am above this. I am stronger than instinct.
    The older glaistig looked back and caught Eavan’s gaze. A guilty blush burned on Eavan’s face.
    Nyx’s posture hadn’t changed, but she had her confirmation: Eavan was intrigued.
    Too much so.
    The man made a note as he said, “I’ll have one of my associates drop by to go over the literature on the different options for replacing the windows.”
    â€œWhatever. Really, my cousin’s safety is really the difficult thing, Mr. Owens. As I said, that’s why I needed you here today.” Nyx caught Eavan’s hand and tugged so that their clasped hands were resting just over her collarbone. “Eavan doesn’t seem to understand how dangerous refusing to stay with the rest of the family is. A young girl in the difficult world all alone…”
    â€œIs she in some sort of danger, ma’am?”
    â€œInevitably. She’s foolish, you know.” Nyx squeezed Eavan’s hand until tears threatened. “I worry