“You’re looking for the onyx and the pearl.”
This earns a pause.
“The question is why,” I continue. “Do they have powers?”
“What would ever make you believe something so dramatic?” he asks.
Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps the so-called children’s fable that no longer feels like a children’s fable. But I bite my tongue.
“I’ll tell you what,” Rafe says. “I’ll divulge what I’m up to if you tell me where you’ve put the portrait. I’ve asked Jude, but he keeps pleading the fifth.”
“Why do you want it?”
“Sentimental reasons.”
“Well, I’m sorry to break it to you, but I don’t know where it is.”
“You’re a horrible liar, Selah.”
I lift my shoulder in what I hope is an unbothered shrug.
“You should really tell the truth.” He examines his nails. “Lying has consequences, you know. If you keep it up, something horrible might just happen to Jude.”
“You know, Rafe, the last time you made a threat like that, you disappeared for ten days. Any chance we could be so lucky a second time?”
His smile fades, but before he can reply, Lainey Sikes makes an appearance. She flings her arms around his neck with a giddy squeal. “Rafe! Oh my gosh, you look amazing.” She leans back andpouts her lips. “You told me last night you weren’t coming.”
“I wanted it to be a surprise. I know how much you love surprises.”
Lainey hugs him again, pressing her cheek to his.
Desperate.
Clingy.
Just watching makes my skin itch with claustrophobia.
Rafe whispers in her ear.
She stiffens slightly.
He cups her chin and brushes his lips against hers. “Pretty please? For me?”
It makes me want to vomit.
But apparently, it works on Lainey. Whatever Rafe requested, the public display of affection does the trick. She squares her shoulders and marches away.
I watch her go, suspicion coiling in my gut. “What are you doing with Lainey?” I ask, turning to face him.
Rafe smiles.
“You don’t even like her.”
“Now why would you go and say something like that? I’ve become a big fan of Lainey’s. She’s very useful.”
I open my mouth, ready with a retort, but his phone dings.
He lifts a finger as if to say—hold that thought—and checks the message. He taps out a slow reply,then slides his phone into his pocket. “So, where were you last night, Selah? Poor Jude had to dance with Miss Applewhite.”
