Chapter Nine
Emery
As we’re escorted out of Lucas Hale’s office, I stick close to Sebastian.
Unease flits through me when I feel his discerning gaze on our backs, still seated behind his grand desk. Even with all the unknowns of what’s going to happen with Sebastian when we leave here, right now, I’d rather face that than deal with Lucas Hale. Not only do I need my secrets to stay buried exactly where they are, but he also reminds me ofhim—his sharp senses and keen awareness.
Not even my thoughts were safe aroundhim.No matter how hard I tried, he burrowed inside, ripping out each one with delight. The only thing I ever managed to keep from him was my journal. A shudder runs through me at the thought of him finding it. I can’t even imagine what he would have done if he had. And worse than anything he could have done to me—Sebastian would have been in danger. I do not doubt that he wouldn’t have eventually figured out the real-life inspiration for the man who fills so many of those pages.
Easton trails behind as the big guy from earlier leads us further into the vast building and to another room, much less opulent than the office we’d just come from.
The sound of wheels rolling across the hardwood flooring draws my attention, just as a mop of brown curls pops up from behind the screens and computer equipment that’s covering the massive corner desk.
“This will just take a second,” he says, standing up, completely relaxed despite the annoyance flowing from both the men behind me.
Clearly, he already knows why we’re here, even though it’s barely been a minute since we left Lucas’ office.
Easton doesn’t bother to come in this time and waits silently beside our guard in the hall.
“Just stand over here.” He points to the wall opposite the desk and flips a switch on the panel beside me.
I squint at the brightened light, but it doesn’t take long for my eyes to adjust. It’s then I notice the camera in his hand, resting against his leg.
Shifting my gaze away from the device to escape the heartache it elicits, I realise he’s looking at me with a lopsided smile, showing the hint of a dimple on his right cheek.
Crap. I have no idea what he said.
Turning my head, I see that Sebastian is also staring at me.
The memory of why we’re here seeps into the forefront of my mind, and I look away from him quickly. My only saving grace is Sebastian likely thinks the reason I was in the park is for the benefit of someone else, rather than him being the object of my obsession.
Maybe it’s better for him to believe I’m, in fact, the enemy.
It’s not so far from the truth.
Ready to get out of here, I follow the directions I’m given, and after what feels like only seconds, he lowers the camera. “Okay, all done. You’ll be notified when the package is ready for collection.” He grins at me, revealing two perfect dimples.
His energy is infectious, and my lips lift softly of their own accord. He couldn’t be much older than me, but there’s something calming about him, and my mind relaxes for the first time today, even if it’s just for a moment.
Apart from a mumbled exchange between Sebastian and Easton, nobody says a word as we leave the club and get back in the car. There have been no more mentions of Sebastian’s parents or demands for the information I have, but I know it’s coming.
The late afternoon sun casts an orange glow over the city, the buildings passing by in a blur as I stare out the window without really seeing. When I woke this morning, I never would have imagined I’d end up squished in the back seat of Easton’s car with Sebastian a hair’s breadth away. All I’ve wanted for the past four years was to be near to the man who somehow prevented me from doing the irrevocable, but now I’m full of uncertainty.
Moving my thumb to the inside of my wrist, I brush over the small scar that’s almost non-existent now,recalling the sensation of cool metal pressing into my skin until the delicate tissue gave way under the pressure. With a final sweep across my skin, I let go of the memory and pull my hand away.
I want to ask where we’re going, but it’s taking all of my energy just to keep my eyes open.
Will they take me back to my apartment?
There are only a few days left on the rent, and now I don’t have the money to pay for additional time, but where else would I go?
God, what a mess. I’m just so tired.
Tired of living a life I have no control over.
Tired of running. Tired of looking over my shoulder.
Tired of today.