“What is it?”
“Well,” I start, “I was wondering if your California friends ended up coming after all.”
Julian makes a confused face, his brows furrowing. “No? I didn’t even invite them due to the time crunch.”
“Isn’t Landon one of your friends?” I press, and at his shocked expression, I take that as a yes. “I just heard him out back with Barfred.”
“Ah.” A knowing expression crosses his features. “Yeah. I’m not surprised.”
“Are he and Barfred… dating?” I’m not sure why I’m curious, but I am. After hearingthatoutside, I’ll be very shocked if they’re not.
“I’m unsure. Landon hasn’t really spoken to me much, but I have a hunch.” Julian appears impressed with his own detective skills, yet also a little sad. Most likely due to Landon’s secrecy, if I’m forced to guess.
“Alright.” I turn to leave him be, but something else enters my mind. Something I’ve been forced to think of every time I enter my own quarters. “Oh, and by the way. That book? The Latin book you had when you were…helpingAtlas?”
Julian’s eyes widen, and he frowns. “What about it?”
“Where did you find it? I’d like to return it now.”
“You still have it?” he hisses, crowding my space as if he’s terrified someone else will hear. Namely, Atlas.
“Obviously. Where did you find it?” I push.
With a sigh, he runs a hand through his dark hair, his eyes almost as desperate and stormy as they were the night he begged me to let him help my brother.
“In the altar room,” he whispers.
“You… you know about that?” I sound incredibly shocked because Iam.Who told him? Not even Atlas knew of it.
But Julian just nods, not offering any explanation.
“Fine,” I mutter. “I’ll return it there.”
Before I can turn and try to flee once more, Julian snatches my bicep.
“Speaking of friends,” he says, referencing our conversation about Landon, “here are some more of them. Say hi.”
I follow his gaze, finding Cameron and Cassie as they talk with Atlas.
Cassie has her arm intertwined with Cameron’s, her fingertips rubbing gently at his skin. The move feels very personal, intimate.
They haven’t… have they really started dating? I put that thought aside when I was seeing him because Cameron was clearly involved withme.But now, it’s been several years, and there’s every possibility that he’s… moved on.
As if sensing my gaze, my thoughts, Cameron tilts his head, and our eyes collide. Stormy gray widens, his lips parting as if he’s shocked that I’m here. In my own house.
I have the vague feeling that Cassie is now watching me too, but I can’t tear my eyes from Cameron’s. I can’t seem to break the stare.
“You’re not going to go over there?” Julian asks me, and I swallow hard.
He knows something.Too much.
“Why should I?” I ask. “They aren’t important to me.”
And with that, I leave the drawing room.
Since Barfred is out back, engaging in sexual activities with Landon, I know the kitchen will be empty. I slip inside the room and pour myself a cup of water, gulping it down greedily.
I knew seeing him would be hard. I knew it would hurt—so why am I so startled? My perfectly constructed control is fracturing under the weight of my pain, desire, and nostalgia.
