“Everything okay?”Ariana asked.
“Blake couldn’t find anything at Schaffer’s home or office relating to the women he sterilized.”
“Does Blake work for you?”
“More or less.I forgot you haven’t met him yet.He’s sort of…secretive,” I explained, unsure how else to describe him.
“And these files… They’re important?”
I blew out a long breath.“Until we know why Victor paid those men to abduct you,everythingis important.”
“You need to go.Don’t you?”
“I’m sorry.”
She waved me off.“It’s okay.My knee’s getting a little sore anyway.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
She shrugged.“I liked learning about this side of you.”
“I’m glad,” I replied, my mouth curving up in the corners.
We made the short walk in silence, but it wasn’t awkward.It was comfortable.Whatever tension was between us yesterday had evaporated.As if it were all a dream.
When we reached the guest house, we said our goodbyes, and I watched as she climbed the steps.
But before she could slip inside, I called out, “Ariana.”
She paused, glancing over her shoulder at me.
I hesitated, debating my next course of action, not wanting her to feel pressured.But I wanted more of this.
More of her.
In whatever way she’d let me have her.
“Want to walk with me again tomorrow?”
“I’d like that.”Her smile was small but real.
“Me, too.”
ChapterEighteen
Ariana
I curled my hands around the mug of coffee and scanned the sprawling property for any sign of Henry.
Still nothing.
When he’d asked if I wanted to walk with him again this morning, I hadn’t thought to ask what time.He was always up early.Always moving.Always disciplined.But the light had been creeping higher for a while now, and still no Henry.
Maybe he was sleeping.
Maybe he forgot.
Neither possibility felt like him.
