“Do you think it’ll work?” Preston looks at my project again, unsure, but one thing about Preston is, he always loves my random inventions.
“I guess we will just have to—” I stop the minute I hear a noise.
I haven’t had contact with anyone other than Sawyer. He’s walked the path a few times, usually around this time of the day, when the sun starts to lower and the drones are gone.
“Is that Sawyer?” Preston looks out the window.
I jump up, striding over to where Preston’s standing and look out as well. My heart thumps, my fear spiking, wondering who’s wandering around out there. We can’t see anyone. Everything looks just as it should. But then I spot him.
“Sutton!” I gasp, seeing him walking out from serial killer forest. Whipping the door open, I fly outside, my body so full of adrenaline to get to him it should be embarrassing. He looks up at hearing the door creak, his grin taking over his face as I run to him and jump into his arms. I feel like I can breathe for the first time all week. He holds me tightly as my legs wrap around his waist, Preston slamming into both of us and joining our reunion.
“Ahhh, Tinker… I’ve missed you.” His words push into my hair as I tuck my face into his neck.
“I missed you too, so much,” I say against him, my heart racing as he slowly lowers me to the ground.
“I just flew in. I couldn’t stay away a minute longer.” He sounds choked up, and tears streak down my cheeks.
“You came back!” Preston muffles, his face still plastered to Sutton’s side.
“Of course I did. I told you I would.” Sutton bends down, giving him a big hug before standing and meeting my gaze. He has one arm resting on Preston’s shoulder as the other hand cups my cheek, his thumb wiping my tears.
“I want you guys to pack a bag. The house is ready, and I want you both with me.”
“It’s ready?” I’m surprised. Griffin was working around the clock, but clearly, he worked faster than I was expecting.
“It is. Mom’s flying in tomorrow, and we’re doing Thanksgiving together. I also have my head of security with me. Jackson will stay in the guesthouse.”
“Thanksgiving?” Preston’s eyes light up, mine probably doing the same.
“I’ve never done Thanksgiving lunch before, but how hard can a turkey be, right?” Sutton scruffs Preston’s hair, and I grin.
“Any updates on the media?” I look at him in question. Since Preston and I haven’t left this place, I have no idea what the town is like now.
“A few paps are still hanging around, but the media thinks I’m still in LA. So we’ll be okay for a while.”
I look up, seeing the sky clear of drones and not hearing the familiar purr of them in the sky nearby.
He reads my mind, sighing. “Those drones will be back at some point. Once they know I’m here for sure, they’ll want to see where I am and why I’m back here.”
I swallow roughly. They might as well just ask for a pint of my blood at this point. Wherever he goes, he’s going to be followed. If not by media, by fans. Once the new Whiteman’s Whiskey launch happens, it’ll be crazier.
“Won't they see us?” We’re leaving one prison to go to another, but I would rather be there with him than not. And Preston will probably have way more fun there too.
“No one’s going to get to you. I promise. Besides… I have something I want to show you.”
I trust Sutton. But my gut feels heavy. And his gaze says it all.
It’s going to get worse before it gets better.
43
Charlotte
In awe, I stare at the TV.
“This is the best part,” my brother tells me, sitting on the edge of his seat.
“Argh, this is the worst part.” Sutton’s mom shields her eyes as Sutton flies through the air and wrestles a monster before they both splash into the ocean.
