“When Keira told me about your engagement, I was furious. Thought it was a mistake. Or worse—some scheme.”
I keep my expression neutral.
“And now?”
“I don’t know anymore. I see how she is with you. How you are with her… maybe I was wrong.”
I don’t know what to say.
“Callum, I?—”
“I’m not asking for explanations,” he cuts in. “Just one thing—Keira’s strong. But she’s more vulnerable than she lets on. She’s already sacrificed a lot. Don’t make her sacrifice her heart too.”
Then he’s gone.
Leaving me standing there.
Thinking about everything.
The tunnel. The barrel. The past.
And Keira.
The line between what’s real and what’s not is getting thinner every day.
Like Callum said—once certain boundaries are crossed…
There’s no going back.
And I’m starting to wonder if I’ve already crossed one I’ll never be able to undo.
CHAPITRE 23
KEIRA
The Great Escape
When I walk through the doors of the McKenzie distillery this morning, I have a simple plan: talk to Alistair about the recent discoveries regarding our ancestors, avoid any prolonged contact that might reignite the emotional turmoil that’s been chasing me since our stay at the castle, and leave with my dignity intact.
Apparently, the universe has other plans.
The first thing that should have tipped me off—if I’d been in my usual state—is Martha’s absence from her desk. Martha, the immovable sentinel guarding access to Alistair with more zeal than a dragon protecting its treasure. The second is the commotion spilling out of the main office.
— I’m telling you, it’s impossible! a voice exclaims—one I recognize as the foreman’s. She can’t have just evaporated!
— Sheep don’t evaporate, Ian, Alistair shoots back, his voice tight. They move on four legs. Usually leaving tracks. A lot of tracks.
I stop in the doorway and take in the scene. Alistair—normally so composed—has his hair completely disheveled, his tie hanging loose and half undone, like he’s spent the entire morning tugging at it. Around him, three employees are gesturing wildly, pointing at what looks like a map of the distillery.
— Hello? I venture.
Alistair looks up, and for a split second, his face lights up before settling back into a strained expression.
— Keira, he says, tense. This really isn’t a good time.
— What’s going on?
— Rosita’s missing.
