She won't find any, but I'll enjoy watching her try.
We reach the dock.
Callum parks and opens my door.
I step out and extend my hand to Eden.
She ignores it. Gets out on her own. Bare feet on the cold pavement.
I smile.
"The boat," I say, gesturing to the sleek yacht moored at the end of the dock.
She walks toward it without waiting for me.
Careful steps on the wooden planks.
Callum catches my eye and raises an eyebrow.
I shrug.
Let her have these small rebellions.
They won't matter in the long run.
On the boat, I show her to the main cabin.
Leather seating. Mahogany accents. Windows on all sides.
"Sit," I say.
She sits on the far end of the curved sofa.
Pulls her knees up.
Wraps her arms around them like a child.
The defensive posture should make her look weak.
It doesn't.
It makes her look like a trapped animal.
Dangerous if cornered.
I sit at the opposite end.
Give her space.
The engine rumbles to life.
We pull away from the dock.
Eden watches through the windows as the island shrinks behind us.
As the lights from the mansion fade into darkness.
"How long have you done this?" she asks suddenly.
