Does he know that car?
He looks like he was hiding from it.
His phone rings, and he stares at the screen for several seconds before ignoring the call.
What’s going on?
He leaves through the kitchen, the back door slamming shut, and I wait about two seconds before I flip the latchand climb out. Closing it back up, I run through the shop, spotting his car at the curb out front before I dash into the kitchen, hearing the lock click.
I wait until I hear his car start up at the front of the building before I dash out into the alley, locking up the bakery again. Then, I jump on my bike to follow him.
He could be going home. Or maybe he’s going somewhere I need to see.
Desperate for answers, I pedal to the end of the alley and peek around the corner, his rental car appearing. He takes a right, as if heading to Madoc’s house. Or mine.
As he approaches the curve, about to disappear, I take off, pedaling as fast as I can. Water sloshes under my tires, and rain soaks my hair, but I stand up and pump faster, just enough to stay in view. He cruises faster, speeding by the turnoff for Madoc’s and my neighborhood, climbing into the forest.
Trees loom on both sides, darkness surrounding me, and I look behind me, keeping an eye out for the old car with its headlights off from earlier. And for Madoc who might still be out looking for me if Lucas hasn’t texted him to tell him I’m home.
He continues to ascend the hill, disappearing around the corner, and I groan, my muscles on fire. An e-bike was a fantastic idea. Why did I resist it?
The road splits in two, but you can’t go to the left. It’s a one-way exit for the other highway, only for oncoming traffic. I veer right, continuing on, but as I reach the top of the incline, I don’t see him. There are no cars. Nothing on the long stretch ahead.
I look around for turnoffs and then behind me, in case he pulled off, but he’s gone.
Where the hell did he go? There’s nothing for miles.
But I can’t stay out here, and I’m not riding down some dark, lonely, gravel road. I got braver tonight, but not that brave.
Turning around, I head back into town, my head swirling. Where was he going? Who was in that car that he recognized? Who was in that damn car that followed me?
Why don’t I tell him to stay?
So many questions, but as usual, I’m the last to answer them. I’m always the one who knows the least, the one no one trusts to be up for a little fun. Or even better, to lead.
There’s only one thing I want more than Lucas Morrow, and that’s my freedom from him. My freedom from everyone who loves me, in fact. From everyone who thinks they know me.
I park the bike in the alley behind the bakery, take my chain lock, and head inside. Once in the hideout, I climb the spiral staircase, loop my bike lock around the handle and the latch, securing the door tightly from the inside.
One door down, two more to go.
The hideout is mine now.
Lucas
I envy Farrow Kelly and Noah Van der Berg. For their youth. For their proximity to everything I love.
Unease has been chipping away at my mind like a pickax, and talking to Quinn tonight on the phone made it worse.
I want to go home. To Dubai.
I miss the restaurants. I miss the pool at my gym. I miss coming into my office building and hearing the music Isobel has playing because she’s already been there for two hours and loves having the place to herself before everyone arrives in the morning.
My mind calms there.
But I’m dreading every minute that passes too. Every second that takes me closer to my flight leaving. Why?
The time on my phone reads 1:36 a.m.
