Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening novel Chapter 23

Ethan pushed open the door to his loft with a soft click, balancing the boutique’s elegant shopping bags in one hand. The lights were low, casting a golden hue across the room, and a faint hint of lavender lingered in the air—Rosanna must’ve found the diffuser.

“Alice?” he called gently.

A soft rustle answered him.

She peeked out from behind the couch, still tightly swaddled in the blanket like a burrito, only her eyes visible above the folds.

“You’re back,” she mumbled, blinking.

He chuckled softly. “Still in the blanket?”

“It’s become a lifestyle choice,” she said dryly. “Also, still naked, remember?”

Ethan held up the bags like a trophy. “Not anymore. Clothes. High-end, handpicked, boutique-approved.”

Her eyes lit up with cautious curiosity. “Did you… actually pick these out?”

He smirked. “Personally. And with great trauma. I had to slap a man to make it happen.”

Alice raised an eyebrow. “Slap a man?”

“Well… I made him get slapped. Long story. You’ll love it. Try these on.”

He placed the bags on the table and turned his back politely, though his ears went pink again.

A few minutes later, Alice stepped out in a pale lavender blouse and sleek black jeans that fit like they were tailored just for her. Her damp hair was braided over one shoulder, and the color had returned to her cheeks.

Ethan turned—and froze.

“I… wow,” he said, blinking once.

She gave a little twirl. “You picked well. I feel human again.”

“Mission accomplished.” He smiled, then scratched the back of his head. “Listen, I know it’s been… a lot. But maybe you’d like to get out of here for a bit? Dinner? Just… something normal.”

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