Free Immortal Darkness (Phantom Diaries #3) by Kailin Gow

Eric. One elderly woman even fainted at the sight of him.
    I have to do something. I can’t go on in this relationship with a man who refuses to see the light of day. But I love him, and can’t bring myself to see how dim our future seems.
    The glare of the limelight is increasingly on me while the gloom of darkness increasingly beckons him.
    I’ve spoken to him, many times, about repairs to his face. Surely something can be done to diminish the appearance of his scars. He’s refused to even discuss the matter, but I’ve taken it upon myself to find some kind of treatment.
    For the moment, funds are a problem.  Medical attention in Paris is painfully dear, almost impossible for mere mortals. But I’ve heard of treatments, modern and expensive, that can be had in Sweden.
    I want to show the world the beautiful being Eric is. For the moment everyone shuts him out because of the scars on his face and they refuse any and all contact with him.
    It breaks my heart, for he deserves better.
     
    Tears sprang to my eyes as I read about her love and commitment to Eric.  I closed my eyes as emotions racked my chest, clotted my throat and left me clutching the journal to my heart. Reliving Kristine’s time with Eric, I travelled back through time, letting my imagination bring me to the time and place where she first fell in love with the very same Eric I’ve come to love so much.
    My imaginary travels became heavy with sleep, and the draw of dreaming of Eric pulled me into slumber, deeper and deeper. In the distance, I was vaguely aware of Aaron’s presence. 
    He tugged the journal from my hands and slipped his fingers through mine as he remained nearby for a long moment.
    “I know you want us to simply remain friends…”
    His voice pierced through my sleep, battling with Eric for my attention.
    “I don’t think I can do it.  I don’t think I can spend such time with you and not let my emotions take me where they will.  I love you, Annette.”
    Through the passage of sleep, his voice, his words were transplanted to Eric’s lips and I smiled.
    “I’ll not make the same mistake as Rupert.  He abandoned Kristine, but I will remain at your side, always, Annette. I’m a patient man. I’ll bide my time, but I will do so at close quarters.” His fingers tightened around mine. “I won’t let you out of my sight if I can help it.”

 
    Chap t er 8
     
     
    S tanding before the full length mirror, I stared at my reflection as Kim, a young seamstress, made a few adjustments on my gown. It was beautiful, fit for a queen, with regal pleats, dense crinolines and a plunging neckline.
    “You look absolute magnificent,” Kim said.  “This shade of green is perfect on your skin. I think this is my favorite of all the gowns so far.”
    I nodded my agreement.  The dark satin, as green as the finest emerald, clung to my breasts and waist before billowing out so wide, it was impossible to pass through the doorway.
    “How am I ever going to manage to get around in this thing?”
    “The stage director said you’d have to slip in on backstage.”
    My eyes danced over the shimmering folds of fabric.  Though it was cumbersome and surprisingly heavy, it did look great. I took in a long breath and let it slowly seep out. My breasts heaved above the satin, just about ready to burst out.
    “Will I be able to sing in this?” I asked.  “I mean, without having one of the girls pop out?”
    Kim’s eyes widened with shock and amusement.  “I could tighten it a bit.”
    “I hardly see how you could make this any tighter,” I remarked.  “Is there any way you can add a length of lace to give me more coverage?”
    She shook her head.  “The design of this dress is to truly highlight the female figure. Besides, Mr. Aragon has made it clear. He wants this daring neckline to remain. This gown is to be the jewel of the entire show and he doesn’t want the slightest alteration for the original design.”
    When finished with