“C’mon,” Trick says, waving me over. “Play me.”
I pick up a cue.
“So it’s all good for the night?” C says, his gaze cutting to me.
“Good that she gets to see her friend,” I agree.
Trick breaks, sending balls in every direction.
“What’s on your mind?” C asks.
I shake my head, not interested in telling C the other shoe hasn’t dropped yet. Zoe and I have been on good terms, but I’m not sure we’ll stay that way if Rachel tells her the details of what happened last night. Zoe’s been protective of Rachel from the jump. There was no reason for us to clash before, but there is now.
I take my turn at the table, biding my time.
* * *
Rachel
It feels so good to unwind. I know there’s a lot to still sort out, but for once I’m not letting that get to me.
“Let’s take a road trip,” Zoe says wistfully. “What about somewhere back woods? Arkansas? Alabama?”
“The Appalachians?Deliverancecountry? I’ve been meaning to go.”
She wails with laughter.
“Z,” Connor says.
“Oh, my baby.” Zoe jumps up and hustles to C. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him. “My girl and I are planning a road trip.”
“Hmm. Let’s go to bed.”
“Not yet,” Zoe pouts. “It’s her first night in the castle. I have to keep her company.”
“I need you to keepmecompany.”
“I always keep you company. You’re very—”
C lifts Zoe and flips her onto his shoulder, walking out with her still protesting.
I can feel Zoe’s happiness, and it makes me happy too. I stretch out on the couch gratefully, languishing in the moment because I never get to have this. I never get to feel safe and content. I lick my lips, the fuzziness in my head effervescent and endless.
Through the haze, I hear men talking in the hall. After a few moments, Sasha enters and sits on the ottoman across from me, putting his big hand on the side of my face. “You ready?”
I rub my cheek against his palm, liking its rough calluses. He’s a monster, but sometimes I feel like he’s my monster. “Ready for what?”
“To come to bed with me.”
I smile and blow out a breath through buzzed lips. “Should I do that?” I whisper, raising my hand to touch his lips. “You kidnapped me twice. It’s a lot.”
He moves his face so my fingertips catch on his chin instead of his mouth.
“Why’d you leave the cabin?”
“I had to. I thought I had to,” I mumble, my lids suddenly so heavy.
“And look what happened. You caused a standoff.”
