“I know.” My voice dropped. “But it’s what I can ask for right now.”
I reached for my book again, opening it as if the moment had already passed. I couldn’t tell him everything yet.
Chapter: 12 Killian
was back in the attic again. By day, I played the part of the dutiful fiancé to a family of liars. By night, I climbed into the rafters to be with the little ghost who was slowly unraveling me.
I shouldn’t have been able to get in and out this easily. Either the family was arrogant, or they truly believed Chloe was as mentally impaired as they said she was. She was scrolling through her tablet when I arrived—the same one I’d quietly paid the Wi-Fi bill for earlier that afternoon. My mind kept circling back to how small her request had been last night. I suspected she’d done it on purpose—trying to test whether I could be trusted. She told me aboutBelovedyesterday and about Mary tonight. We were making progress. I wasn’t going to ruin the fragile trust we were building by pushing too hard, though.
Still, I had questions.
“They’re rushing the wedding between me and your sister. Do you know why?”
Chloe’s hands stilled. “Maybe they’re excited,” she said carefully.
“Or maybe they’re hiding something.”
She didn’t respond. Didn’t look at me.
“They mentioned some papers you need to sign. You said he has a power of attorney over you. Why would he need you to sign these specific papers?”
She shook her head.
“Chloe. Please.”
“I can’t—” She stopped. Swallowed hard. “I can’t talk about it. Not yet. If I tell you and you don’t believe me—”
“I’ll believe you.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
She finally looked at me. Her eyes were wet, shining in the low light. “Come back tomorrow,” she whispered, her voice thin. “Take me somewhere. Please.”
“Where?”
“Anywhere. I don’t care. Just… out. Away from these walls.” Her hand found mine. Her skin was cool, fingers trembling slightly. The faint scent of lavender drifted from her nightgown. “One day. That’s all I’m asking. One day where I can pretend I’m not…”
She didn’t finish. She didn’t need to. I squeezed her hand gently. “Tomorrow. I’ll come for you. I’ll take you somewhere you can breathe.”
She nodded, her hand slipping from mine. She leaned back on her palms, the nightgown sliding off one shoulder. I didn’t move. Didn’t touch her, even though I wanted to.
Because I saw it now. The way she gave just enough to keep me interest. She would give me information she wanted me to have. Then distract me with a kiss, a touch. She was controlling the space between us, weaponizing my own protective instincts and my desire against me.
“Now you should go,” she said quietly. “Before they notice you’re gone.” Worse part? I didn’t mind it.
I stood and walked to the door. Paused with my hand on the frame. “Chloe?”
“Yes?”
“Whatever they’re hiding… whatever you’re afraid to tell me… you can. I’ll help you.”
She didn’t answer. I locked the door behind me and left her there—a girl who had become a ghost in her own home, slowly learning how to haunt the living.
Chapter 13: Killian
"We'll be at the plant until late," Arthur said, adjusting his tie. He looked so smug and self-important. "Expansion meetings. You know how it is, Killian."
