Whispers of Night: 1 (Immortal Embrace) Read Online Free Page A

together, Marley had become a lifeline and her only true companion. It was hard to believe their lives were about to take separate paths.
    “No one deserves this more than you, girlfriend.” Marley winked, handing her another shot. “Stop second-guessing yourself and drink up.”
    “We should probably eat some food.” She grinned as her mood shifted to a lighter place.
    “Lightweight.” Marley rolled her eyes as she tried to get the bartender’s attention. “So when do you have to report for your first day of work?”
    “I’m supposed to start right after graduation.” She bit her lip nervously.
    “Bummer, I was hoping take a road trip with you. Guess that’s not going to happen. So what’s the position entail?” She continued to pop beer nuts in her mouth.
    “I’m going to be a marketing analyst, working with overseas investors.”
    “Wow, sounds pretty cool. Hopefully you’ll meet some hot exec, fall in love and buy a house in the Hamptons.” She nudged Jenny’s shoulder.
    “Not interested in those types anymore. I had my bellyful with Jimmy. Thanks but no thanks.”
    “Not all guys with money are pricks, you know. So you met one bad apple—that doesn’t mean the whole cart is ruined.”
    Whatever you say, I’m not taking a bite out of that one again. “I’ll keep that in mind. Do you know anyone who needs a car?” Jenny grew anxious. It had taken her a long time to get over Jimmy. She knew her friend meant well but that topic was definitely a no-go.
    “Why, do you need some money to help with the move?”
    “It wouldn’t hurt to have the extra cash and since I won’t need a car in the city, I figured I might as well sell it.”
    “I’ll ask around.” She swirled her drink. “If you need money, let me know. You can always pay me back later.”
    “I’ll be fine. Thanks for the offer though.” She didn’t like borrowing money from anyone, including her best friend. It wasn’t her style.
    “I’m really going to miss you.” Marley frowned as her eyes started to tear up.
    “Then come to New York with me. You can find a job there. We could be roommates,” she urged, hoping her friend would say yes.
    “I would but my parents pulled some strings to land me this great job back home. I can’t disappointment them.”
    “I’m happy for you even though I had hoped you’d find a job on the East Coast. But you know I love your parents. They’re such great people and it will give me an excuse to come visit you in California. Next time you talk to your mom, will you tell her hello for me? Share my news.” Jenny swallowed the lump in her throat. Marley’s parents were so wonderful. It made her sad that she wasn’t able to pick up the phone and call them herself. Her demons from the past had built a wall around her ability to trust even those she knew she should. Marley was the only one who had breached it.
    “You call her, Jen. She’d love to hear from you.”
    She shook her head. “Can’t.”
    “Fine, but she’ll be upset that you weren’t the one to tell her. You know how my mom is. She would want to hear it from you.” She nudged Jenny playfully.
    “I know, but right now it would be hard for me to make that call.”
    Marley was never one to push, at least when it came to these types of situations, which was a relief. “This isn’t goodbye for good, you know.”
    It seems like it. “I know it isn’t.” She nodded. Maybe it was why she felt so unsettled about her new job. A lump stuck in her throat again and she tried to swallow it down. She was going to miss her dear friend. But it was time to brave the future on her own.
    * * * * *
     
    Manhattan
    September 2012
     
    Dane stared out the windows of his penthouse suite on the top of the eighty-second floor of Voss International. His office was surrounded by a wall of glass with a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline. He was lost in thought as he watched the shimmering lights below. He liked it here. Manhattan was a