So much of him wanted to race to her and demand the truth. He had a right to know who he was in bed with, but his traitorous heart told him it didn’t care who she was or about her secret. She also had rights, and if her truth had any sort of impact on his life, he was sure she would confess all. Wouldn’t she?
Bear tried to home in on the sound of the bay gently lapping the rocks around him. It was calm tonight, giving the impression it would make a relaxing night-time swim, but it deceived him as much as his fated mate, as all knew the water was deadly. Was Scarlen? Was she really his fated mate?
A glint of light flashed his way, bringing him out of his trance with the dark sky. Straightening, he angled his mirror, and within seconds the light from the mainland twinkled back.
Yes. Fucking yes, Elbar.Adrenaline hit hard, shaking his hand holding the mirror. It was time. Both he and his friends back home knew exactly when to bring a rowing boat to the cove. All he had to do was start a riot, and with the tension so high in the prison, and Varklee ready for war with the Pirates, it shouldn’t be that hard to pull off.
The hardest part would be getting over to Green Block Two to free Wynter, but he’d always known that, so it was better to kick things off in the canteen at dinner, but it couldn’t just be his block causing chaos, the whole prison had to be involvedin order for inmates to run the corridors. With Varklee on the warpath, it was a done deal. If only the same could be said for taking Scarlen away with him.
24
Scarlen couldn’t lose the sensation of Bear’s body all over hers as she showered the next morning, not wanting to wash away his scent but having little choice about the routine. She’d see him soon at breakfast, and that alone kept her smile firmly in place.
‘What’s up with you?’ asked Dionne, wrapping herself in a towel.
‘I’m just happy.’
Dionne scoffed. ‘No one’s happy in here.’
‘I’m focused on the brighter side of life now.’
‘Is that right?’ Dionne chuckled as she went to get dressed.
Scarlen was still in the family room with Bear deep inside her, each thrust she could feel bringing longing and lust. If only he were in the shower with her. She would tell him of her vision later, certain it would make him smile.
Wynter and Raven sometimes stole kisses and touches in the canteen. Perhaps that was something she could do, because the need to feel his skin on hers was driving her crazy already.
‘Hurry up, everyone,’ yelled Miss Goolan. ‘Else miss breakfast.’
Scarlen was dressed in no time, eager to see Bear, hoping he would join her in the queue. Accidently on purpose brush hands with hers. Perhaps sneak a kiss to her neck.
Dionne entered the canteen first, heading straight for the trays, but Scarlen lingered by the door until Binnow shoved her forward. Scarlen wanted to shove her back, punch her in the face, ram the lightning rod into her back and keep it there forever, but Scarlen moved to the breakfast queue instead, her thoughts of Bear keeping her sane.
One minute, Amber wasn’t in the canteen, and the next, Judd was behind Scarlen in the line, his tray bashing her in the back as though done by accident.
She turned, her breathing rattling on coming face to face with him for the first time since she had stabbed his arm. There was nothing in his stare but hate, and she had some to match as stale heat from his breath wafted her way as he leaned close, clearly having something to say.
Bear was at her side as though he had flown there. ‘Touch her and die.’ The darkness in his tone aimed at Judd.
There was a stand-off as the two men eyeballed each other, then Mr Lackly came over, but before he could speak, Judd took a wide berth around Bear and got his breakfast, and the rest of the inmates looked away as if they hadn’t been watching to see how it would play out.
Mr Lackly walked away, and Scarlen stared at Bear, seeing the anger in his glare hadn’t softened when turned on her, which was confusing.
Bear jerked his chin towards the food. ‘Eat something.’ Then he left.
Scarlen had no idea why he was being so cold towards her, and it wasn’t as though she could go over to Amber side and have a conversation with him, not with Binnow on duty. Steadying her heart flutters, she got some porridge and joined Dionne.
Dionne leaned towards her. ‘Just heard there’s going to be trouble tonight,’ she whispered, hiding her mouth behind her spoon.
‘What kind?’
‘Riot.’ Dionne barely moved her lips, then continued to eat her breakfast.
Scarlen was on jobs next, and Bear was in the silent system. She decided she would try to get his attention at lunch if not in the yard, but something told her he wouldn’t make himself available.
Yard time couldn’t come around quickenough, and Scarlen could sense at once there was something going down, as it was quieter than normal, and lots more huddles were taking place. As soon as she spotted Dionne talking to Temple on a bench, she darted that way.
‘This doesn’t get pulled off often,’ Temple was saying. He acknowledged Scarlen with a short nod as she sat. ‘You either join in or you try to find cover, which isn’t easy in here.’
