Page 23

What?

I swallow thickly, my heart pounding in my ears. A faint tremble in my fingers as my pen freezes over the paper.

“You have a problem with something?”

I look up, and she’s raising an eyebrow at me. She’s always looked at me like I’m a bug caught under her shoe, especially after I was essentially orphaned.

“No, I’ll get your message to him.”

“Thanks!” She gives me a fake smile, turns on her heel, and goes back down the trail to the city.

I should wait. This isn’t personal… Right? My fingers tremble, my hands turn cold.

I can’t wait.

Clutching my clipboard to my chest, I follow the marked path towards the site. I stop at the perimeter rope and watch Cain. He’s thorough; his exceptional eyesight and spotting abilities make him one of the best in his unit. I’m able to watch him for a full minute before he catches sight of me. My heart jumps when his gray eyes lock in with mine, and a faint smile twitches at the corner of his lip.

Like he’s happy to see me.

“Everything alright?” His voice is low; the intimate one he uses when we lie together in the dark.

“Yes, everything's fine…” Cain’s eyes flit to the bracelet as I twirl it around my wrist, and he smiles.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it.” I smile up at him. “All of those pieces that Pru gifted me over the years… Those were from you, weren’t they?” I have an entire jewelry box filled with beautiful, unique necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

“They were… That’s what I do. It’s my personal project at the forge.” I swallow and nod.

“Morgan stopped by.” His eyes narrow. “She asked me to get this message to you.” I tear the piece of paper from my clipboard and hand it to him. He reads it, scoffs, and shakes his head. Then he meets my gaze again, his eyes softening.

“You know this doesn’t mean anything, right?” He asks, crumpling the note in his fist and shoving it in his pocket.

“Doesn’t it?” I shouldn’t ask. What does it matter if it means something? I’m acting like I have some claim on him that I don’t.

“No, it doesn’t.” He offers me a smile. “I’ll see you tonight?” The heaviness in my chest evaporates with his words.

It doesn’t mean anything.

“Yes…” I take a breath, then bite my lip. I have to know. “When we get back, when can I see you again?”

“You’ll know… I’ll come for you.” He brushes the back of his fingers over my cheek. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“See you…” He smiles at me one last time, then we turn our separate ways.

I realize now… This trip didn’t change anything for us. The secluded location and lack of prying eyes left me in a haze, an illusion. When we get back, I’ll still be his little secret.

When we go back, this is over.

Violet

Chapter 10

Everything is set.

The sweet smell of garlic and honey barbecue steak fills the kitchen, Richard’s favorite. His meal is neatly plated with steak, mashed potatoes, and roasted, parmesan-sprinkled broccoli. Then the final touch: a lowball glass filled with the finest whiskey the brewer could recommend to me. I don’t like providing him with alcohol, but maybe it’ll help tip the scales in my favor.

If this works, I’m free.