The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 244

Jamie exited Cordelia's bedroom, finding Ronan still perched where he'd left him, puffing on a cigar.

"Leaving so soon?" Ronan asked, a smirk curling his lips. "Not sticking around for more chit-chat?" The way he said 'chit-chat,' so pointed, it struck a nerve in Jamie. Was Ronan suggesting something more?

"Indeed, farewell, Mr. Evans." And with that, Jamie was out the door.

Cordelia remained in her room, feeling a chill creep up her spine that made her head spin. She was about to lock herself in for a good night's sleep when she saw Ronan, standing outside her door, about to push it open.

Memories of how he'd forced Kendra to abort rushed to her mind, sending a shiver down her spine. She was constantly afraid for her own unborn children.

In the past, she'd only known a fraction of who Ronan really was, just the tip of the iceberg.

"Do...do you need something?" Cordelia asked, her voice trembling. Tonight's events had left her pale as a ghost.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Me? Nothing, just feeling a bit cold."

"Cold?" Ronan took her hand, icy to the touch. Her hair was damp from her earlier venture into the living room.

"Lie down!" he commanded, a hint of concern lining his forehead.

Cordelia, with her twins, didn't have the option of defiance, so she obediently slipped under the covers, trembling all over.

Ronan piled on more blankets and placed warm towels on her forehead. Then, he made a call, standing by the window, his free hand in his pocket.