The Uber pulls away from East Rock, and I sink back against the seat, crossing my arms over my chest like I can hold myself together if I just press hard enough.
I needed space. Space from Saint. From his scent. From the stupid pull my body feels when I stand next to him.
The city blurs past the window, but I’m not really seeing any of it. All I can see is Saint’s angry, wild face, completely unrecognizable. Okay, so maybe the angry part I’ve seen a few times. But the wild? That was new and it threw me. The wild looked like someone who cared. I don't know what to do with that.
How can he spend weeks acting like I’m an inconvenience… and then turn around and nearly strangle a man for touching my arm?
Maybe Cammie was right. Maybe making him jealous was the key to getting his attention. I certainly seemed to make him snap out ofhis avoidance phase. I huff out a breath at that. Yeah. Because that worked outsowell.
I press my fingers to my temples and close my eyes. Yes, he overreacted. But… maybe I did too. The thought settles in. It’s uncomfortable and unwelcome. I want a little more time with my anger.
Maybe we should have stayed.
Shut up.
Maybe you should have made him talk.
My throat tightens. Stupid omega’s always talking shit, and she chooses now to be reasonable?
Go back,she says.He needs you.
I pull my coat tighter. As if I don’t know that.
My phone rings in my hand, and I answer without looking.
“Lark, don’t freak out.” Cammie’s voice is high and tight. I know her well enough to know she’s trying not to panic.
So, of course, I immediately do exactly what she tells me not to. “I’m already freaking out. What happened?”
“Building 2 collapsed.”
I sit bolt upright. “What do you mean collapsed?”
“Partial,” she rushes to add. “Partial collapse. One side of it just… gave. But no one was in there. Or near it.”
Relief slams into me so hard I almost sag. “Okay. Okay, that’s—okay.” I drag in a breath. “Police? Fire?”
“Already here.”
“Good.” I look out the window, trying to orient myself. “I was already on my way. About halfway there.”
“Come fast.”
“I will.”
I hang up and lean forward.
“Can you go a little faster?” I ask the driver. “There’s been an emergency at my warehouse.”
He glances at me in the mirror, takes in my expression, and nods. “Yeah. I got you.” I don’t know why that makes my eyes sting.
The car surges forward, weaving a little more aggressively through traffic. I sit back, heart pounding, mind racing. I need to let someone know I’ll be late. I take out my phone and text Silas.
Me:There’s been an accident at one of my warehouses. Building 2 collapsed. I’ll be late.
Silas:Anyone hurt?
Me:No, thank god.
