“I know. But Monroe has my records. He’ll know how to treat me.” I stagger, trying to stand, and Harlin straightens me.
“Baby, please.”
I turn and look into his eyes, see the confusion, frustration. And I see the distrust. But this is my chance. I have to find out if Monroe knows about Onika, and I have to find her again. I have to fight the Need.
“Let’s go,” I say softly. Harlin stares back, but then he puts his arm around me and helps me to the door. Even now, with him angry at me, I feel protected by him. I feel him.
Harlin grabs my green jacket and as we open the front door, Jeremy is there, his key poised to unlock the door. He has a bagel in his mouth and a surprised look on his face.
“Hey,” he says suspiciously as he straightens and takes the bagel from between his teeth. “You two all alone in there?”
“Don’t bother with the lecture,” Harlin says in a cold voice. “Charlotte’s just leaving.”
Jeremy nods to me, obviously uncomfortable with Harlin’s response, and goes inside. And when we’re out in the hall, I dare to feel something different. A chance to be normal.
