I shake my head slowly. “I can’t do that.”
“Well, then you’re wasting your time.”
I hesitate, then ask the question that’s been clawing at my chest. “Why is she this upset anyway?” I ask carefully. “Isn’t she with Peter?”
Her expression flickers, just for a second, but it’s enough.
My eyes narrow. “Sheiswith Peter, right?”
“Goodnight, Kade,” she says flatly.
She turns, walks back inside, and shuts the door.
The lock clicks, followed by the sound of the bolt, then another.
I huff out a breath and drop my bag at my feet, sliding down the wall until I’m sitting on the cold stone step, staring at the door that just slammed shut on my entire life.
Yeah, it’s going to be a long fucking night.
EDEN
My eyes are puffy. I know they are.
Still, I walk into the kitchen with a bright smile pasted on my face and my shoulders squared like armour. Martha looks up from her cereal bowl and winces.
I deflate instantly.
“I look terrible, don’t I?”
She tilts her head. “Not terrible, just . . . tired?”
“Great.”
“But not as tired as Kade,” she adds, a hint of smug satisfaction creeping in.
I frown. “You’ve seen him already?” I glance at the clock. It’s barely eight a.m.
She stands and jerks her head towards the lounge. I follow, my stomach tightening with every step. She creeps up to the window and lifts the blind just enough for us to see out.
My heart stutters.
Outside, hunched on the step, hood pulled low, arms wrapped tight around himself, is Kade.
“Jesus,” I whisper. “How long has he been there?”
“All night,” she says, clearly pleased.
“Martha,” I hiss, horrified as she drops the blind. “You let him sleep out there all night?”
“I didn’t ask him to show up,” she shrugs. “Wasn’t he a soldier? He’ll survive.”
“That’s not the point,” I mutter, already turning away.
I pour a coffee, my hands shaking, and thrust it towards her. She stares at it like I’ve handed her poison.
“Take it out to him,” I snap.
“No.”
