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“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Mhm.” I glance sideways at Jax, who’s suddenly become deeply fascinated by the laces of his boots. Interesting.

“You’re both being weird,” I point out. “You kept checking your phone every five minutes and stalling us leaving,” I say, pointing at Jax accusingly.

“I did no such thing,” he says. At least he has the decency to look mildly caught out.

“And you.” I point at Saint. “Are hanging around the carpark like a stalker acting all suspicious.”

He laughs. “Oh, darling girl you have no idea.” He produces a length of emerald-green silk from behind his back. “I require your cooperation.”

“I require context.”

“Denied.”

Jax laughs and I glare at him, folding my arms. “You want me to what? Let you blindfold me, without any explanation!”

“Exactly,” Saint says. “Now turn around.”

Glancing between them, I fold my arms, determined to be stubborn until they tell me what’s going on. Their smiles are infectious though and I instantly cave. It would be like kicking a couple of puppies, they’re both so excited.

“Fine,” I grumble, letting Saint blindfold me. “This feels like a terrible decision though.”

“It’ll be worth it,” Jax reassures me.

I laugh despite myself.

“Can you see anything?” Saint asks.

“I can see all the poor life choices that brought me to this moment.”

Saint snorts. “The audacity.”

A second later, warm fingers slip between mine. Jax. “I’ve got you.”

His words immediately settle me.

Saint takes my other hand. “Right,” he announces. “Tiny steps, let’s go fiery one.”

Slowly they guide me forward, the gravel crunching beneath my shoes before giving way to smoother stone.

“Little steps,” Saint reminds me.

“I am taking little steps.”

“Excellent technique.”

“I’m thrilled you approve. How much longer do we have to do this?”

“Until I say. Now you’ve got a slight turn here.”

“I trust you.” The words leave my mouth before I really think about them. It’s only afterwards that I realise I mean them. Entirely.

The lodge door clicks closed behind us we enter. It’s suspiciously quiet. Well, quiet apart from Saint’s ongoing commentary. “Step.”

“I’m stepping.”

“Beautiful.”