“Didn’t suspect?” Her voice rose with incredulity. “How could I possible suspect this? You’ve been playing both sides!”
His set his hands on his hips, his gaze going to the ground.
“This is insane. I can’t believe we just got into anargument over my loyalty when you’re Board.” Her fingers curled into fists as her nostrils flared.
“Oh, come on, Ava. I have every reason to question your loyalty to me.”
Her eyes went wide, her jaw dropping. “Says the man who drugged me and dragged me all over the place when he wasn’t luring me into his painting studio and asking me to join The Board. Sebastian! How are you saying all of this with a straight face?”
“I had to make sure you were serious about taking down the board.”
“So, you tried to convince me to marry you and join The Board?” Her voice turned incredulous as she stretched her hands to the sides.
“And you said no. Test passed.”
She cocked her head. “And yet you still questioned my loyalty.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Because I can’t be certain you’ll actually go to the mat for me. Obviously, you will for Alex.”
“I’m pretty sure I just did for you, too.”
“So did I, Ava. I protected you…again,” he shouted, his voice turning heated.
She blinked at him, pulling her chin back to her chest. “What do you want, Sebastian? A medal.”
“I want to be sure you’d do the same for me.”
“I have!” she exclaimed. “But you keep questioning us continuously.”
“Can you blame me?”
“Uhh, yeah. I’m done with this charade.” She shook her head as she skirted past him, trying to head down the driveway.
“Ava!” His voice boomed behind her as he stormed closer.
“Stay away from me, Sebastian. I’m done with your manipulation and lies.”
“Listen to me.” His feet pounded the gravel as he trudged toward her, closing the gap quickly. “I’m not Board, okay?”
He grabbed hold of her arm, tugging her back.
She yanked his wrist higher. “Your tattoo says otherwise,” she spat, pointing accusingly at the mark on his wrist.
He shook his head. “I was Board. I’m not anymore.”
She ripped her arm free of his grasp. “That’s weird, because there was a guy who looks just like you who weirdly was at a Board stronghold. In fact, he was there when Alex was kidnapped. I mean what the hell was that, Sebastian? What kind of sick game is this for you?”
“It’s not…look, just come inside, and I’ll explain everything.”
“Come inside. Uh-huh, right. Yeah, I’ll just follow you into your creepy cabin never to be heard from again.”
“Damn it, Ava, this isn’t a game. It’s very serious.”
“No kidding! You’ve been toying with me for months, playing this disgusting cat and mouse game as both Raven and Sebastian. And now, you’ve set it up so the world thinks I’m dead. How perfect for you.”
“This wasn’t my doing,” he said through clenched teeth, trying to convey sincerity.”
“Then who did?” she demanded.
