I hastily reach over and slam shut the passenger door seconds before flooring it. The tires squeal on the pavement, leaving my furious stepbrother in the rearview.
He might not have called me, but someone else texted me for years without a response. And she deserves some answers.
Fifty
ANDREA
I keep blinking,expecting the hallucination to disappear. But… it doesn't.Hedoesn't. He’s still standing there. Just…smilingat me.
Synapses that haven't fired in ages go off, flooding me with memories. But memories don’t do Cade Warren justice. His beauty isn’t just physical— it’s in his madness. His cunning. His creativity. Every facet of him glitters like a kaleidoscope.
I can’t look away.
“Is this a sick joke?”
My voice sounds miles away.
The psycho’s grin widens. “I ask myself that every day, six inches from the mirror.”
Holy shit.This isn't a dream.
Suddenly, I’m lightheaded.
“W-what are you doing here?” I stammer.
He shrugs, examining his bitten cuticles. “Getting a manicure. Lord knows I need it.”
My eyes narrow. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Ohhh, you mean here, inFort Manor.” He snaps his fingers. “That’s right, no one told you. I just got back from an extended stay in the loony bin.”
He can’t be serious.
An uncomfortable beat passes.
“Don’t lie to me,” I croak.
His smile turns grim. “I wish I were.”
Words elude me. Emotions I’ve suppressed for years bubble to the surface. All this time… he’s been in treatment?
His gaze softens. He tips his chin toward the staff exit. “Step out with me for a sec?”
Being alone with him is a terrible idea.
“Five minutes tops, I’m on the clock.”What the hell am I doing?
That damn smile again. “I can work with that.”
For the love of all things unholy.
Taking the lead, I march out the back door. I don’t need to check if he’s following— I canfeelhim behind me. Hugging myself, I huddle in the sliver of shade, squinting into the afternoon sun. If I’m blind, I won’t have to stare my past in the face.
His shadow envelopes me. “Freedom looks good on you, little sinner.”
The ache in my chest echoes behind my eyes. I frown up at him. “You promised not to disappear.”
Knuckles skate across my cheek. “It wasn’t up to me. They took my phone and by the time I got your texts, you already said goodbye.”
