I have been walking for hours, and my legs ache almost as much as my heart. My calf muscles scream with each step, and I must have blisters the size of saucers, yet nothing hurts as much as seeing Cass in the distance. The Hall dominates the horizon, but I can see him like the day isn’t fading, and he is generating his own light.
He’s standing on the gate of the walled garden looking out across the parkland. He spots me, drops to the ground, and hits it running. My stomach plummets even as my heart kicks up a few extra beats. I woke just before dawn, snuck out from under Cass’s heavy arm, and left him dead to the world. It’s dusk now.
I had to get out.
I’m a mess.
I needed to wander through my past to try and figure out what I’m doing with my future. These fields and paths, I must have walked a thousand times, a lifetime ago. This was my childhood, and although they might be a little overgrown in places, I would know them blindfolded. I sat under the tree Cass carved our names in until my arse was numb, hoping for some sort of divine intervention, but I guess you have to believe to get that sort of help.
I’m so conflicted. I know I didn’t steal that bracelet, and other than in the police cell, Cass hasn’t mentioned that part of my past. He’s certainly intimated as much that he knows the truth, but he’s never told me why. I guess I didn’t actually ask, even if I know why. To me, it didn’t matter, the net result is the same, and he obviously didn’t love me enough to stand up when I needed him. I’d convinced myself nothing he said would make a difference, so I just didn’t care, only now…now, I just don’t know.
I wish I had my burner phone.
I really could use some Ghost advice to help me see straight, because all I can see is a confusing swirl of piercing blues that make my soul burn and warm chocolate eyes that make my heart weep.
“Where the hell have you been? Fuck, Tia, I nearly called the police.” He skids to a stop and isn’t remotely breathless despite the near full half mile he’s just run. His eyes checking up and down, settle on mine, and are filled with concern and relief.
“Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I sniff out a hollow laugh that falls ominously silent between us.
“No?” His tone is cautious, and the instant tension is palpable. I can feel that my wall is now at full strength.
“We need to talk.” I straighten and go to walk past, when he steps to block my path.
“So talk.” I feel I should step back. He’s on a slight incline, and it makes his body seem that much bigger, more imposing, and his scowl makes me falter. I draw in a fortifying breath and tip my chin. He doesn’t scare me. Well, he scares me a little, but I’m not the one in danger here, so I square myself and talk.
“What if I told you I found your money, but I’m not giving it back?” I cross my arms at the chill flashing across my body when his eyes narrow to icy slits.
“I’d say you’re not a thief, Tia, so don’t start now.” His jaw jumps with the tension, and his voice is tempered anger I can only see because his knuckles are pure white.
“You see, that’s really interesting, Cass, because why would you say that?” I soften my voice and my defensive stance, dropping one hip and tapping the corner of my mouth like I’m pondering the same question I just posed.
“I know you,” he states flatly, and I smile with apparent pleasure.
“You have one chance to tell me why, Cass, so choose your next words wisely,” I advise.
“Princess.” He reaches and I let him stroke his finger along my jaw. I don’t respond even if the hairs on my neck might spark to life at his touch; he can’t see that thankfully.
“Not your princess, Cass. Tell me why I’m not a thief,” I retort and watch as he pulls his hand back like I’ve bitten him.
“I need that fucking money, Tia. You don’t understand,” he snaps, and I scoff out loud.
“Really? I don’t understand that it’s really three hundred million missing or that your mother has been gambling with the company’s pension fund? Or that you owe a small fortune to some very nasty Russians? Or that your mother has racked up debt you can’t possibly repay in ten lifetimes?” He remains impassive. “Which bit of that don’t I understand?” His eyes widen briefly, until, just as quickly, he checks himself. He steps closer, and I stand my ground.
“It wasn’t my money to begin with.” His cool breath brushes over my face, and his icy glare freezes my heart.
“What?” I respond. I must look the picture of confusion at the curve ball of a conversation change.
“I’m sorry.” He holds my questioning gaze and steps one foot away.
“For what bit, Cass?” I ask, too distracted to notice his change in stance, and I’m an idiot for not recognising the need for distance.
“For this.” He steps closer and wraps a strong arm around my waist, imprisoning me with the strength of the hold. His lips smash against mine, and then he bites my neck. No wait, he can’t be doing that, he’s still kissing me. It must be a sting, not a bite. He pulls back, and I see the needle in his hand. Where did that come from? I feel the rush of air hit my lungs as I fight to breathe, then a sudden, woozy, swirling, heavy darkness and then…nothing.
End of Book 1