PROLOGUE
Unknown
What the fuckdo you mean she doesn’t remember who she is?” My grip tightens over the phone. Rarely do I get triggered by anything, but this wasn’t part of my plan. This wasn’t even in the backup plan.
“That’s all I heard, sir… Do you need anything else?”
I’m quiet for a few moments. “No. Thanks for the update, Jayce.” I hang up, making sure to delete Jayce’s burner number call in case someone gets ahold of my phone.
My fingers tap irately on the metal bench beneath me. I let my eyes trace over my squad as they perform their morning exercises. It’s been a while since we’ve been on a mission. I’ve been busy with other matters as well, so it’s essential I’m here for a few weeks at least. Otherwise I’d assess Emery’s condition myself.
A muscle feathers in my jaw as I sort out how to make this work.
What a fucking mess.I groan and drag my hand down my face.
Though, I suppose worse things could’ve happened. I could’velost her completely, which would unravel everything entirely. At least memory has a chance of returning.
I ponder it, leaning back and taking a deep breath. The wave of anxiety releases and fades.Yeah, this can work.She has Mori, and as much as I didn’t want to risk him killing her, I knew he’d fall for her. He’ll spark her memory one way or another. Their chemistry is tangible; they won’t be able to keep their hands off each other.
Tsk.Of course, the one that kills all his partners ended up ruining everything. He couldn’t have been sent to his month-long punishment at a worse time, lining up to when Emery was brought into the Dark Forces.
Hurdle after goddamn hurdle. I grit my teeth.
It’s fine. I’m a patient man.
Anything to get me closer to getting my hands on one of Nolan’s godforsaken pills. The general keeps them locked down pretty tight, and anytime Mori tosses his bottle away, it’s empty.
I’ll just have to rearrange a few things; perhaps I can talk Nolan into giving Emery the medication directly. Sweet, trusting Emery. There are parts of me that truly do feel saddened for her.
I really do care, but everything has a cost.
I’ve never not been willing to pay.
1
CAMERON
Thirty-five days have passedsince Emery woke up and said the worst words I’ve ever heard:“I don’t know who you are.”
The look in her eyes as she took me in for what felt like the first time again was the most gut-wrenching thing a person could go through. At least, I think so.
You reap what you sow. Isn’t that the fucking saying?
Misery has nothing on me. The agony that pumps through my veins is like sulfuric acid. I push myself through each day, hoping and longing for her to remember me…to remember what we went through together. But another part of me hopes she’ll never find the pieces of us left in the past. It’s easier to keep her safe this way.
Ineverwant to hurt her again.
Even if that means I’ll suffer for it.
I take a deep breath of the warm California winter air and lean back on the bench as I watch Emery completely destroy Gage in a hand-to-hand sparring match.
My eyes narrow on her. She fights better than she ever has andit’s because that’s all she puts her focus into anymore. I rarely catch her in the library like I frequently did during the Under Trials. Nor do I see her helping others tend to their wounds after they get injured during training.
The only thing that’s remained is her absurdly attractive personality. I’m afraid she’s grown more morbidly comedic. I credit it to her forgotten tragic past, and it’s near impossible to try to keep my stoic face around her. I guess she’s probably picked up a lot from being stuck with the squad. Though I’ve yet to see one real smile cross her face. I wonder if she learned that from Gage. Out of all of us, he hides behind his fake grin most. I don’t bother trying to convince people I’m some elated asshole.
Pretending takes more effort than it’s worth.
I glower at Emery when her eyes flash my direction. She flinches and quickly focuses back into the fight. It sends an uncomfortable ache through my chest.
