“Green,” I whispered.“I see green.”
She breathed out a softah.“Green.”
My eyes snapped open.“Is that bad?”
Her face lit up.“Just the opposite.Green is filled with positive energy, Ari.It represents harmony, balance, rebirth, security.”Her smile deepened.“It’s the color of growth.If you see green when you think of Henry, that’s your heart telling you to trust him.That he’ll give you the peace you crave.”
I jumped to my feet, pacing the length of the room.“He’s still keeping me prisoner here.”
She gestured around us, her eyes twinkling.“I don’t see bars on the windows.And that door looks plenty open.”
“He won’t let me leave the property.”
“For good reason.”Her gaze briefly floated to the bandage at my temple.“Victor sent dangerous men after you.Let’s not forget everything else Victor’s done to you.And to me.”Her throat worked on a swallow.“He’s only trying to keep you safe.”
I parted my lips to argue my point further.
Whatwasmy point?
That freedom mattered more than safety?
That I didn’t want to need Henry, even if I already did?
I didn’t know.
All Ididknow was that I was petrified of falling into the same trap I did with Victor.
Petrified of losing what little sense of self I’d regained.
Petrified of letting another man control me.
But was Henry controlling me?
“You may not like it…” Mom stood and grabbed my hand.“But I’m grateful.Victor Kane has already taken so much from us.If this is the price to make sure he can’t take any more, I’ll gladly pay it.”She squeezed my hand again.
I looked past her for a long moment, torn between my head and my heart.
The former whispered caution.
The latter whispered green.
“What do you suggest I do?Tell him I’m content being his prisoner?”I plopped onto the mattress.
“I didn’t say that.”She sat beside me once more.“You need to make him work for it a little.”
I frowned.“Work for it?”
She nodded, grinning mischievously.“Every good romantic hero has to grovel.And that man looks like he’s capable of an epic one when it comes to you.”
For a heartbeat, I just stared at her.Then a laugh broke free, shaky but real.I threw my arms around her, squeezing her tightly.
“I’ve missed you.”
She hugged me back, her breath warm against my skin.“I’ve missed me, too.”
ChapterSixteen
Ariana
