An Eternity of Dead Sun (An Eternity of Eclipse Novel Book 2) Read Free

continued to drive over the desolate road, “even though you can’t remember what happened the night your family was killed, can you remember anything else from your past? For example, what was your family like? What was your life like?”
    The question hit an uneasy nerve. I abruptly found unwavering interest in watching droplets of rain streak across the window. I always hated talking about my past, and this was no exception. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
    Though I couldn’t see his face, I could sense a frown cloak over his features. He wasn’t happy that I dismissed another one of his questions.
    “I have to tell you, Gracie,” he announced, resentment coloring his voice. “I’m feeling slightly taken advantage of.”
    I furrowed my brows and faced him with a curious expression. I uncomfortably fidgeted with my fingers while I spoke. “What do you mean?”
    His eyes locked with mine. “No matter how secretive I may be, you and I both know that between the two of us, I’m the one who has been doing the confiding. Whenever I ask you something personal, you always refuse to answer. Up until now, I’ve let it go because I didn’t want to push it; I wanted you to naturally feel comfortable around me. But right now, I’m getting the short end of every stick. Since I can’t barter for a kiss in lieu of getting information from you, I suggest you stop holding back so much and give me some insight into your life—just like I’ve given you insight into mine.”
    “I’m not used to talking about myself,” I told him honestly, biting my lower lip.
    I understood his point. Whereas he had been doing his part in the information-sharing department—sharing with me about his failed attempt to overthrow his father’s monarchy and his current state as a punished Dimmed Demon—I hadn’t been as forthcoming when it came to disclosing information about myself. I may have not liked that he brought this up, but he had a valid argument nonetheless. It was an argument I couldn’t charm my way out of.
    I expelled a long sigh. “I’m used to knowing more about someone else than they do about me. I feel safer this way.”
    “Everything is a two-way street,” Eclipse said in a business-like tone. “You said that you resent me for being secretive. As a remedy for this, I gave you insight into my life. Much like you, it isn’t in my nature to trust or open up to anyone. Since I’ve made you my exception, I would appreciate the same concession. Friends confide in one another.” A smile graced his handsome face. “We are friends, right, Teacup?”
    My heart raced while my eyes widened exponentially. I had been secretly labeling Eclipse as a friend for a while now. I never thought he would call me his friend too.
    I blinked at him in absolute shock. “You really see me as your friend?”
    His expression took on a more playful and mischievous quality. “Well, not exclusively a friend because if I had it my way, we’d have a much more intimate and”—he paused before giving me a sultry look that would have a nun renouncing her ways— “ extravagant relationship, but since we’re trying to keep you alive, the answer is yes. The general definition of a friendship is the ability to confide in someone and knowing that they will not judge you and ultimately accept you for who you are . . . flaws and all.”
    “But you don’t accept me as a human being,” I reminded him almost breathlessly, my heart palpitating at the thought of officially finding my first real friend in the world. Eclipse was not the most ideal friend (since he was only here to acquire my soul and turn me into a Demon and all), but he was the closest thing to a friend that I had. I was surprised to find that I really valued him as my friend. 
    “And you don’t accept me as a Demon,” he productively reminded. A smirk edged his lips. “I’m not saying that we have the ideal friendship, but for a Demon and a sadistic human, I’d say