Page 92 of Betrayal and Vows

“And you’re telling menow?”

“I was trying to protect you,” he snaps. “Make sure we had a plan first. But if you want to throw your balls at fate and run into the fire, be my guest.”

I’m already moving.

“Where is she?”

“The chapel.”

Of course.

Of course, it’s the chapel.

I don’t run, not exactly.

But I walk like I might kill anything in my path.

Chapter 16

Lena

Iwalk up to the old chapel glancing over my shoulder for the hundredth time.

It’s one of the original structures on the property. I think I heard someone say it was two-hundred years old.

It looks like it.

It’s the kind of place where ghosts feel comfortable lingering.

And the perfect place for a clandestine meeting.

It feels like years rather than weeks since I’ve slipped my guards and snuck out.

And even though I know it’s dangerous, it makes me feel alive.

My tennis shoes sink into the damp earth.

I’m avoiding the trails. I have no idea where the cameras are, but I’m hoping if I stay in the dark and off the usual paths, I’ll go undetected.

I pull open the heavy door just wide enough for me to slip through.

I turn on my phone flashlight and shine it around.

And then I see him.

The air leaves my lungs in the best way.

He’s standing at the altar like he belongs there.

Not like a saint. Saints die too easily.

He’s my fucking avenging angel.

He turns when he hears me. I don’t know if I’m imagining it, but for a second, the expression on his face is raw.

Grief and relief in equal measure.

I close the distance slowly, my footsteps quiet on the old stone. I move toward him and feel my body tingling.