Page 33 of When She Tempts (The Fallen)
My skin tingles at the memory. He said it like he meant it, and for a moment, I may have even believed him. But the truth is, I feel far from valuable. My name notwithstanding, I have nothing to offer to anyone. My brother’s life would be a hell of a lot easier, and Imogen would still be alive if I were never born.
When the backs of my eyes start to prickle, I look at the ceiling and suck in a breath to stave off the tears. No, I refuse to cry out of self-pity.
Turning away from Giorgio’s door, I move silently down the steps, through the living room, and into the kitchen.
Before I manage to find a switch on the wall, a light flicks on.
My heart drops.
“Jesus!”
It’s Polo. He arches a brow. “What are you doing creeping around in the dark?”
“I didn’t know where to turn on the light. What are you doing here?”
“Allegra asked me to get her some tea. We ran out of the one she likes in the staff house,” he explains as he opens a cupboard and takes out a jar filled with dried herbs. “Fennel. It’s good for digestion.”
While my racing heart slows down, I walk over to him and peer inside. The cupboard is lined with shelves displaying glass jars of herbs and spices.
I hesitate for a moment before asking, “Do you have anything to help with sleep?”
Polo nods. “Sure. Valerian.” He takes one of the jars and passes it to me. “Two teaspoons to a cup. Otherwise it’s too strong.”
I take it from him.
“We grow it in the greenhouse. All of these are from there actually,” he says as he closes the cupboard. “Kettle should be on the counter.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” His eyes drop to the neckline of my camisole, and when his gaze lingers, I get the sudden urge to cover up.
I wrap my arms around me, feeling exposed. I should have put on a sweater before I came down here.
He clears his throat and lifts his eyes back to my face. “Goodnight, Martina,” he says with a tight smile.
“Night.”
Once he’s gone, I fill the kettle with water, put it on the stove, and find myself a mug. A sleeping pill would probably be more effective, but I’ll give this a try.
Fifteen minutes after I finish the tea, I’m thinking Polo lied to me. I’m lying in bed in the dark, but nothing’s happening. I should have used three teaspoons instead of two. Two teaspoons to a cup or it’s too strong… Yeah, right. I close my eyes for just a moment.
* * *
The next time I blink, it’s morning.
Propping myself up on my elbows, I glance at the clock on the wall.
Nine am.
My eyes widen. I slept for eight full hours?How?
Jesus. The tea. It worked!
I sit up and swing my legs over the side of the bed, but as soon as I do, I’m hit with a wave of lightheadedness.
Ugh. This is terrible. My head issomuddled.
I rub my fists over my eyes and glance around, trying to orient myself despite the brutal brain fog. I got to sleep all right, but I don’t like how I feel right now. It feels like I was shaken awake halfway through a deep dream.
