I scramble forward, my hands trembling as I grasp the strap and pull it into the light. Finding this purse, the just-got-hired-at-a-huge-marketing-firm gift I bought for myself, is overwhelming. Tears blur my vision as I clutch my way out of this nightmare against my chest. I quickly swipe them away and sink back onto my heels.
I did it. I found exactly what I was looking for all on my own. Turns out, I just needed the right motivation.
Adrenaline brought me here, but now that I havewhat I came for, the fear of getting caught takes hold. I could explain getting lost in a palace the size of North Bridge, but how do I explain this? I frown down at the bag that’s been practically carrying my whole life for the past three years. Sure, Ivy said I don’t belong, but no one knows how many lies I’ve told to get here. No one except Kane.
And he deserves to know I’m leaving. More than that, I want to tell him. To see the look on his face when I say I’m going to disappear as quickly as I arrived. That he can deal with being Lord Ashwood, with banishment, with Four and the king and whatever else he’s not telling me. I could have helped him, returned the favor for him saving me all those times, but no matter how much I want to, I won’t. This time, I’ll be the one to leave first.
The Tower, the Empress, they know my being here is a mistake as much as I do. They have to be as desperate as I am to put both worlds back the way they should be and send me home.
With a deep breath, I square my shoulders and make my way toward the door. I ignore the part of me that’s relieved to see Kane one more time before I go—hopeful that this last meeting will change everything.
I open the door and peek out. My pulse whooshes in my ears as I wait for a team of guards to descend or lightning to strike. When nothing happens, I stride into the hall, fueled by fake confidence. I read an article once—partially read an article once—that said women who walk with confidence are less likely to be assaulted. Hopefully that means they’re also less likely to be stopped and questioned about having a bag full of items that don’t exist in this realm.
Chin up and superior smirk firmly in place, I march back through the palace the way I came and out into the gardens. The evening air is cooler now, the garden bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Gravel crunches under my slippered feet, mingling with the distant hum of crickets as I loop around the boundary of the verdant maze and cut through a narrow path of evergreen shrubs taller and wider than I am.
Both pretending to be Cups nobility to access the palace and walking around the grounds with what is best described as contraband are against the rules, but something else is off. Something that frosts my spine and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up straight.
I pause, but the crunch of gravel doesn’t stop. I whip around, heart slamming against my ribs, purse clutched to my chest.
Lord Highgate smiles, his eyes gleaming in the sun’s dusky glow. “Lady Ashwood,” he says, smooth and low, his languid steps bringing him closer. “What a pleasant surprise to find you here.”
“Following women who are out alone at night isn’t a good look.”
“The sun has only just started to set.” He looks up, and my gaze automatically follows. “It’s not quite night. Not yet.”
The crunch of gravel brings him closer, and I shift back, evergreen needles scratching my dress. “Do you need something, or—”
“What do you have there, Lady Ashwood?” He peers down at the leather bundle in my arms, and I hold it closer, sinking in on myself to hide the evidence that Ivy was right—that I don’t belong.
“It’s not really any of your business,” I say, trying to edge past him, but he blocks my path, his smirk widening.
“No need to rush off on my account,” he purrs, stepping closer. “I’ve been thinking about our previous encounters and how much of a spirited, passionate woman you are.”
“Do me a favor, Highgate. Stop thinking about me.” I glare at him, my patience wearing thin.
“Oh”—he tosses his head back with a laugh—“the gods themselves couldn’t get me to stop thinking about you, Lady Ashwood.”
My stomach tightens. “Go away, Highgate.”
“Yes,” he breathes, his eyes darkening with a twisted kind of excitement. “Tell me again.”
“What?” I blink, sinking farther back into the greenery.
“Tell me how much you despise me. No woman has ever talked to me the way you do. I can’t stop thinking about it. Gods, the way you speak to me. Incredible.”
I shake my head, a panicked chuckle clawing at my throat. “I don’t have time for this. Go bother someone else.”
His expression morphs, and he shifts closer, his breath hot on my face. “Yes, Lady Ashwood, more,” he whispers, his long fingers trailing over the lip of my purse. “Tell me to leave, that you hate me.”
“Are you serious?” I spit out, my skin crawling as I jerk my purse away. “I actually want you to leave. Seriously. Not in a kinky way.”
His eyes gleam, and he leans in, pushing me farther into the shrubbery. “Oh, Lady Ashwood, your words cut me deeply,” he murmurs, his voice trembling withexcitement. “But it only fuels my desire. I revel in your disdain. What is happening to me? What have you done to affect me so? And why does it feel as if I am only now awakening to life?”
“Get away from me.” My voice is cold as I slip my hand into the outer pocket of my purse.
“Such fire. I do enjoy a challenge—a hunt. And you, my foulmouthed vixen, are the perfect prey.” He reaches out to brush a strand of hair from my face, but I swat his hand away.
I stand tall and glare up at him, my fingers curling around the canister nestled in a bed of bodega receipts. “Leave, Highgate, before you regret it.”
