Gavin’s fingers flexed like he wanted to rip the blade from my hands. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he restrained himself.
“Marin—”
“Save it.” I turned my back on him and sheathed the blade. “I’ve wasted enough time tonight. I never want to see you again.”
For a half-second, I thought he’d reach for me. Try again. The moment before he removed his mask, when his touch had been intimate and searching, flooded my mind.
How had that shifted so quickly from heaven to hell?
I wantedthatGavin. Or at least, I wanted what that moment could have been if things were different. If it wasn’t all lies. Or worse, his guilt for getting caught.
But with the masks off, I couldn’t stop the cold reality from sinking in.
I pushed through the vines and stalked into the night, my steps slowing just long enough for my ruined heart to confirm he wasn’t going to follow. When he didn’t, I threw one last demand over my shoulder.
“And get out of my house!”
Chapter 21
Marin
I was going toget caught.
My whole body shook as I rushed blindly through the dimly lit halls inside Atticus’s manor. There was no finesse, no checking for servants. No idea where I even was.
Gavin Blackwood was going to be the death of me before I’d even started.
I bottled up my ocean of bitterness and pushed my back against the wall, forcing myself to calm the thundering in my chest.
Deep breath in, then out… over and over.
There were no stars to count here. No twinkling anemones. So I focused on the ghastly floral pattern splashed across the wallpaper and counted the peonies.
It was the kind of print only Cass could love. And she was going to be furious that I was late. I was already furious with myself.
But Cass would understand once I explained what happened. Technically, this was her fault. I may have left an identifiable dagger lodged in the wall, but she didn’t have to spill my entire life story to my enemy.
Nope. This was fine. It was necessary. That confrontation with Gavin needed to happen, and better to get it out of theway now. It was cathartic. Rage-inducing, but cathartic.
No need to dwell on the fact that I’d experienced my first real laugh since Saltgrave while dancing in his arms. Or that I nearly melted to the ground when he kissed my palm.
Ugh. Who does that?
Just rip my dress off like the rest of them. Don’t be bloody mesmerizing with a smooth touch and devastating eye contact.
I should’ve dumped his body in the bushes like he expected. Saved another unsuspecting woman from falling for that irresistible facade. Because that’s exactly what it was—an illusion. A game. And his quiet declaration that he hadn’t betrayed me? That had to be a lie.
But… why follow me here? He had nothing to gain. My daggered threat to reclaim my house was a vicious taunt. He knew I had no real claim. Not on paper. And even though I hated what he’d done to me, Gavin wasn’t a cruel man. He didn’t torture his victims. At least he didn’t used to.
I pressed the heels of my palms into my eyes and slid down the wall. My head dropped forward on a jagged breath. How was I supposed to reconcile the truth as I knew it with the doubts chipping away at my resolve? Wanting to believe didn’t equal certainty. And anything less put me at risk.
Which was why, no matter what happened, no matter how many cracks he hammered into my walls, I wouldn't let him in. Thatthiefwasn't stealing anything else from me. Not ever.
I waited a few more moments. My heart had finally slowed, and I was ready to focus on the vault when that blasted, traitorous organ launched right into my throat.
I’d been so distracted. So overwhelmed by emotions. Was that part of his plan? Therealreason he was here? Gavin saw me steal the monocle. Then led me to a secluded alcove, leavingme a heartbeat away from a thief.
My trembling hand slid to the satin seam at my waist.
