What on earth? Why have I never seen this before?
Plucking the phone off its tarnished cradle, I held it to my ear. “Hello?”
Instantly, a female voice said, “He’s awake.”
My knees gave out.
Slamming against the dresser, I clutched the edge. Adrenaline drenched my system like a tropical rainstorm. No matter how much I’d prayed and hoped he’d stay alive, I hadn’t truly believed it.
“Are—are you sure?” My voice was quiet as a mouse. “How can you be sure?”
Don’t give me false hope. I won’t be able to stand it.
“I’m sure.” Jaz sniffed happily. “I spoke to him myself.”
My heart leapt over mountains of joy. Bending forward, I placed my forehead on trembling hands. “Thank heavens.”
Jaz didn’t speak for a moment.
I stayed silent, too.
Both of us breathed loudly, living in happiness bought with hard-earned fortune.
Things would be better now.
Letting the knowledge settle, I focused on the other man in my heart. “V...did you move him?”
“Yes. He’s in a different room. Warm with regular food.” She paused. “I’ll keep an eye on him. I promise.”
I squeezed my eyes. “Thank you.”
An awkward silence fell, amplifying our unspoken need to talk about Jethro.
Jethro is still heir. He’ll end this. I know he will.
“Jasmine? How—how long—?”
How long will he be gone?
I was greedy. He’d been awake for only minutes, yet I wanted him now. I wanted to touch him, kiss him, hold him—cradle the truth in my hands. But that wasn’t my only reason. The real reason sat like a sinister splodge on my joy.How long will I have to endure Cut’s whims?
I’d been lucky these past three days. I had no illusion that luck would last.
Jasmine read between the lines. “How long is irrelevant. You’re mine. I’ll do what I promised, Nila.”
Fresh tears sparked into being. “I know.”
You’ll do your best, but ultimately, I’m alone.
Just like I’d been alone when Jethro controlled my fate. I guess nothing had changed. It was still up to me to slice out their loathsome hearts.
“And Ke—” I cut myself off.Stay in riddles and code. Who knew what lines were tapped and which walls had ears. “The other one...is he awake?”
Jasmine sighed heavily. “No.”
The single word throbbed with sadness, giving no room for questions.
A loud rustle, then a quick, “I’ve got to go.” A second later, the dial tone rang loud and empty.
