This better work. I’m putting everything on the line for them. I fist my hands at my sides and take a steadying breath.
“Hey, Thornton.”
The hair on the back of my neck bristles as Grahm’s voice settles over me like fog. It’s been a few weeks since I last heard his voice, and the last time I saw him he was getting out of the truck that started the attack in the field.
Reluctantly, I turn and give him a small smile. “Hey, Grahm.”
His soft light-brown hair is styled just like it was last time. There’s no evidence of bruises or cuts from last week, which means he must’ve gotten away unscathed.
I feel guilty for being relieved that he didn’t get hurt. Especially when Gale did. But he’s not someone I want to die, even if he’s a bad person.
He gives me that easy smile and leans casually up against the trunk of a pine tree. “You never texted me like you said you would,” he says with a playful lift of his brow as he passes me a beer as a sort of peace offering.
I take it and hold it with both hands like it’s a comfort drink. There’s no way of knowing if he was at the lake that night, so I decide to leave it vague. “Yeah, I dropped my phone in the lake right after we got there.”
Grahm’s brows knit together, and he purses his lips. “Really? That sucks.” A silent beat rolls between us. Both of our attention ?turns to the dancing crowd. “I’m glad you’re all right.” He leaves his comment open to interpretation. Does he really think I didn’t see him in the field?
I decide to cut straight to the point and not dance around this. “I have a message for Callum.” I don’t let my eyes lift from a glint I spot in the dark boughs on the other side of the fire.
Grahm flinches and, after taking a moment to consider my words, mumbles, “What is your message?”
“Tell him I want to talk about what he did that night. Tell him I…” God, it’s like swallowing knives. “Tell him that I still love and miss him. I don’t care what he’s gotten himself into. Tell him that we can work it out together.”
Grahm just stares at me, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “I’ll pass your message on.” He turns to leave.
“Wait, how will I know what his answer is?”
He looks over his shoulder at me and shrugs. “You’ll know. He’ll make sure of it.” That’s fucking ominous as hell.
I think back to the grocery store and how messed up Hailey was. I haven’t seen her here tonight, and if Roman is right, she’s already left town. I can’t let Grahm get off free from that. Before he can get too far, I shout, “I know what you did to Hailey. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you get a taste of your own medicine.”
Grahm turns and casts a look over his shoulder at me, giving me an empty gaze that holds no answers. I take a deep breath and turn around to look for Roman, but he’s already waiting for me a few yards away behind a group of people.
“Delivered,” I grumble, pissed off from my short conversation with Grahm. I can’t believe my uncle didn’t see all his shortcomings. Or maybe my uncle was a part of the underworld too. The thought is depressing.
Is there anyone in my life who doesn’t have some dark secret? Why should it stop here? It’s not like I can come clean and tell Roman my real name now after waiting all this time. Though, I know he’d understand, given what I went through with Callum. He knows my pain more than anyone else ever could.
But it’s been a while, and he might be hurt at how long I’ve waited.. Ijustgot him to start opening up. I don’t want that to go away. I grit my teeth as I approach him. I’ll tell him as soon as this mission is over. We will apparently be going our separate ways anyway.
I’m hoping we can have a little fun tonight. Well, more than we’ve already had. My cheeks warm. I can’t believe we had sex in public. I giggle, and Roman quirks a brow at me.
“What’s so funny?” he asks with a stern expression.
I shake my head. “Ourdance.”
He cracks a smile and shakes his head at me. “I’m guessing the conversation with Grahm went well then?” Roman extends his hand, and I happily take it.
“Like a charm. He said that we’ll know when we get the answer.” A chill crawls up my spine. The ominous statement still doesn’t sit well with me.
Roman grunts. “Well that was all we needed to do tonight. Let’s have a drink and then wait for the race to start?” He grins as I hand him the beer I’ve been holding, and he pops the lid.
I smile and take in the crisp evening for what it is. “Sounds like fun. Too normal of fun for someone like you, don’t you think?” I tease.
Roman takes a few gulps before laughing. “Ah, that’s where you’re wrong, Briar. I know how to have a good time.”
I give him a skeptical scowl. “Since when? You’re the grumpiest guy I’ve ever met. Like an old man keeping tabs oneveryone at all times and only letting loose when we’re alone.” I pout when he finishes the can and tosses it in a bin.
“I’ll get you a new one.” He laughs and starts walking toward the beer table. “And did you seriously just call me a grumpy old man?” he calls back at me.
