Chapter Araneae

“Araneae.”

My name came from a distance as the sofa bowed and warmth came to my side. Opening my eyes, the room around me was mostly dark. So too was the gaze staring down at me. Still dressed in his suit from Michigan Avenue, Sterling laid a hand on my hip.

“W-what time is it?” I asked, suddenly aware that I’d fallen asleep after finishing my glass of wine.

Moving upward, his large hand came to my cheek. “Did you eat?”

I pushed myself up to a sitting position. “It’s dark.”

The sky beyond the windows was a velvety black, the city below aglow with lights. Out on Lake Michigan, the surface was dotted with lights from various boats while higher up the darkness went on forever. Looking back to Sterling’s handsome face, I could see his features were granite.

I shook my head. “What’s the matter? Why are you so late? Reid said you were on your way home around seven. Was there a problem with the condos?”

“Condos?” Sterling asked.

“Yes, something about the National Historical—”