Page 74 of Sinister Secrets

“We can do whatever you want. Are you hungry now?”

“I am. But not for food.”

And like that, all the worries I’ve been trying so hard to shed finally fade away.

CHAPTER 43

The bright sunlight streaming through the condo’s floor-to-ceiling windows wake me the next morning. Even before I open my eyes, I can tell it’s late—much later than I’ve slept in months. But I needed it. We both did, apparently, as I realize Jake’s limbs are still tangled with my own on the couch. I slit my eyes open and find him watching me.

He looks concerned as he brushes a strand of hair back from my cheek. “Cassie, what’s the matter?”

I freeze, trying to recall if I’d just been in the shadowy realm of a basement before I woke, but the residual tension that usually follows me back to the present isn’t there. “Was I having a nightmare?”

“I don’t think so. Not this time.”

“Then why do you think something’s wrong?”

“Because you were frowning in your sleep.” He touches his thumb to my lower lip. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”

This weekend is supposed to be for celebrating his win at work—and I wanted to handle my problems myself this time. But they’re no longer in my control. It’s better to confess what’s happening now than to risk having to do it after someone shows up to arrest me.

“Someone’s trying to frame me for Gordon’s murder.”

The color drains from his face. “What? Who?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’m assuming the real killer. Gordon’s mom received a package in the mail with supposed evidence of my guilt, and Kingston didn’t hesitate to jump on board.”

“When did this happen? Why are you just telling me now?”

The truth is on my lips… that as much as I love the way he helps me, takes care of me, I’m afraid of becoming too dependent on him. That I’m worried he keeps my nightmares from me because he thinks I’m weak, and as the only person in this world whose opinion truly matters to me, I can’t stomach that. But he’d never understand.

“I didn’t want to burden you.”

“You’re never a burden, Cassie.”

I snort.

“Why are you pulling away from me?” he asks.

“Me?” Unraveling our bodies, I withdraw from his embrace and sit up. All the stress from the last week bubbles up like a geyser overdue for an eruption. “You’re the one who’s got one foot out the door.”

“What have I ever done to make you think that?”

I wave around at the condo. “I guess I’m feeling a little insecure since I’m not the one with somewhere to escape to.”

His jaw clenches, nostrils flaring. He doesn’t look at me as he gets up. Anger and fear that I’ve pushed too far collide as he leaves me alone, vanishing into the bedroom. A minute later he returns, his expression unreadable as he drapes a blanket over me before settling onto the next cushion and burrowing under with me. Taking my hand, he sets a velvet box on my palm.

“What’s this?”

“The ring you should be wearing.” He gives the one on my finger a spin, gently removing it. “I bought this before we left for the Keys. With everything that was going on, I didn’t think to bring it with me, but once I found you and got you back, I realized I didn’t want to wait a second longer. I’m all in, Cassie. I want you to be my wife. I want us to spend the rest of our days together.”

He gets down on his knees in front of me. “Cassidy Knox, will you marry me?”

I’m so choked up I can barely talk. Tears flood my eyes, spilling down my cheeks. I slide off the couch onto his lap, straddling him as I hold his face between my hands, memorizing this moment. “Yes! Of course.”

He gives me a kiss that could liquify the diamond he slips on my finger. When we’re both out of breath, he leans his forehead against mine. “Now, about this place.”

“It’s fine, I was just blowing off steam.”