Feels secluded, though I know we can't be far from Lachlan Park, considering we took the tunnels all the way here that first night.
If I can’t get out, that means nobody can get in without an invitation.
My blood pumps into my ears, stirring that thought.
Up until now, I’ve thought this is the most dangerous place I could’ve found myself in my life.
But what if the security of this hell helps me stay hidden from another?
If I can’t escape, maybe that means Xander will never be able to get in if he somehow tracks down my location. I let that idea seep like a tea bag in hot water right before I take that first sip that’s supposed to soothe my soul.
I’m delusional.
Am I really considering that staying might be the answer to my—
“Beautiful. Isn’t it?” The gravelly, unfamiliar voice filling the spaces makes me jump.
My head whips to the side, taking in the middle-aged man with his hands shoved into the pockets of a flawless gray suit with a burgundy tie. He looks like a model that stepped off the cover of a Calvin Klein magazine. His lightly styled hair and short, groomed beard may not be completely gray, but he is the definition of a silver fox.
When he catches me staring, he closes the distance, keeping those whiskey-colored eyes on mine. “It’s Kate, isn’t it?”
It takes a heartbeat longer than it should to register his question. His Irish accent is stronger than Preston’s. It’s magnetic and graces my ears.
Between Preston, Carter, and this mystery silver fox, it’s enough to make a girl feel like she’s in a candy store with endless options.
I try to find my voice. My answer feels weak, even though it is my name. “Yes, sir.”
Judging by the silver watch adorning his wrist and the suit that doesn’t have a wrinkle in sight, he appears to be the kind of man who appreciates being addressed with the type of power he exudes.
“I was hoping I’d get to meet you soon.”
My mouth opens, the words fumbling out of my mouth. “You were?”
He keeps strolling toward me until he’s standing beside me in front of the bench. “May I?” he gestures to the spot next to me.
I struggle to nod.
He sits down, wiping his hands across his thighs, and sighs. “I like to know who might hold my life in their hands.” A look of genuine confusion washes over my face before he explains. “Since Preston went behind my back and added another person to the medical team, I told him I wanted to meet you. That boy,” he exhales, shaking his head, but there’s a hint of something there. Adoration maybe?
Oh right. I’m supposed to be acting like the reason I’m here is to play nurse. Which may work in my favor now that I’m not working that goddamn ride anymore, and it might just save me from something as terrifying as I find this place. It's a coin toss at this point. Maybe it's a false sense of safety, but I’m starting to think that being contained in Lachlan Estate might be exactly what I need to survive this life that has haunted me for far too long.
I reach out my hand, giving a strained smile.
God, this man makes me nervous.
He briefly glances down before placing his in mine. It’s heavy and calloused. “I’m Arden. It’s nice to meet you, Kate.”
“Likewise,” is all I can manage.
It may seem unusual, but we don’t shake. More like we hold hands that slightly bounce while we analyze each other’s expressions as if it will open a door to all the questions we both have about each other.
I swallow, stepping into my imaginary armor.
Preston told me other people on the estate hold my life in their hands, and I’m one hundred percent certain I’m shaking one of them.
We release each other.
I feel like the pulse point in my neck is going to burst out and onto his lap. “I wasn’t aware he went behind your back. But I will do everything to make sure that if it's your life in my hands, or anyone’s for that matter, I’ll do absolutely everything I can. But in a field like this, it's foolish to make promises that I’m not sure I can keep. Depending on the situation, of course.”
