“Supervising,” he says. “It’s a mighty fine ass.”
Vincent grunts and grabs another lantern. “Good thing we need you for dinner. Otherwise, I’d leave you in the mulch.”
“Go suck a goat,” Rory fires back.
I lift both hands, wobbling just a little on my feet. “Boys, please. You’re both pretty. And if I have to referee again, I’m charging a fee.”
They both grumble, but Vincent glances at me with something softer now. Like he’s letting me set the pace again. Like he’s waiting forme.
“There’s just one thing left.” I point to the rows and rows of trees. “The best for last.” Our Christmas tree for the main cabin.
Vincent nods once, and we walk. Slowly now, with him supporting me.
After he helps me with the tree, and we round the corner of the row, all the blood drains from my face. I grip Vincent’s jacket for dear life, trying to melt into him, desperate to hide. I pull the cap on tighter, trying to hide the rest of my hair under my scarf and coat.
Then, a familiar man standing off to the side slowly turns in our direction. All I want to do is run far away.
“Bri?” He stares. “Gabriella Weston?”
Split-second trauma.
My heart screams.
54
Vincent
“LET ME BE YOUR SHIELD TONIGHT, VINNY.”
Citizen Soldier Playlist
“Monster Made of Memories”
“Forever Damned”
“Broken Like Me”
“Kill My Memory”
“Alone With Myself”
A few minutes before…
Igrab five bundles of birch wood and the lanterns just as she requests and put them in the cart.
Briella smacks Rory’s hand away, and I don’t know how much more I can take of him. I wanted to come with her and Jude a few days ago, but Raphael said it would be too high profile. Not that a redheaded Scot and a bulky, tattooed guy are much better.
With Rory, she gets bold. Aggressive.
With Jude, she melts—eyes starry, lips parted in a swoon.
With Seth, she laughs like she’s safe.
With Raphael, she’s shook down to her soul.
With me?
She’s quiet. Sweet and pretty, but quiet. Like she’s waiting. Like she’s offering something I’ve been too much of a coward to take.
