Page 108 of Allegiant

“Can you draft me two versions?” I blurt out. “One with all the bells and whistles, and one that’s more…budget-friendly? Honestly, I can pay for at least one of them.”

Something crosses Dalton’s face, too quick for me to parse. “You really care about my brother, don’t you?”

My throat thickens as I think about the man who held me tight in my closet. Who lay at my side as we watched stars soar overhead. Who distracted me without pushing for the reasons why. “Yeah. Yeah, I do.”

Dalton smiles, and it’s more authentic than anything else I’ve seen on his face before. “Then two designs it is.”

28

ROWAN

I spent an hour with Dalton as he worked through my various ideas and explained which would work and which needed fine tuning. Not a single one did he say no to. In fact, he actually pushed me to tell him what my dream studio would include. I humored him, if only to get him to stop asking, but Samson won’t need half the things I told Dalton about.

In all likelihood, Samson won’t ever build it. But if the plans show him how possible it is, that I believe in his dream even if he’s too afraid, then that’ll be enough.

I find Samson in the grounds. There’s a makeshift target pinned to a tree. My lips twitch as I spot the axes embedded in the wood. Not a single one has hit the target.

I try to sneak up on him, but he doesn’t so much as twitch as I wrap my arms around him from behind. “How did you hear me?”

He grins, moving until he can put his arm over my shoulders. “You might be light on your feet, but I’m always paying attention.”

I pout up at him, which just makes his grin deepen. Then he kisses me until I’m sighing into his mouth.

“Did Dalton behave?” he asks when we eventually part.

“Yes, he was very helpful.”

“Good,” he says softly. “And you’re still not going to tell me what you’re up to?”

“Nope.” I smile brightly, feeling the warmth in his eyes all the way to my soul. “It’s a surprise.”

“Can’t say I like those. Usually ends up in murder.”

I snort. “You’ll like this one. I promise.” My eyes fall to the axes waiting in a pile on the floor. “Having fun throwing those?”

I’m careful to keep my voice neutral, but Samson still scowls. “I’m not bad at throwing everything. Something about the weight makes it harder.”

I jut my chin at him as I step to the side. “Show me your stance.” Samson holds an axe up, and I immediately spot the problem. “May I?”

He jerks his head in assent, and I move in front of him. With anyone else, I’d be terrified by the fact that there’s a sharp blade mere inches from my head.

But this is Samson. He’ll never hurt me.

“Your arm is crooked,” I say, lifting his elbow before steering his wrist into the correct position. “It needs to always be at a right angle. Imagine that the axe is the final line in a square that you’re making with your body.”

I step back and survey him once more before nodding. “Now try.”

Samson takes a breath and lets the axe fly free. It soars through the air, landing neatly in the center of the target.

“Holy fuck!” He whoops, lifting me off my feet and twirling me in a circle. “I did it. I actually did it.”

“You did.” I giggle as he spins me once more before putting me on my feet. I’m grateful to my years of dance training for the lack of dizziness. “See, you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

“No,” he says, with that boyish glee still shining in his eyes. “It’s you, Rowan. It’s all you. I’m starting to feel like I can achieve anything if you’re by my side. Fucking cheesy, but it is what it is.”

For a few seconds, I let go of my fears. The worries that Samson will be taken from me. That what we’re exploring isn’t real. I allow myself to hope that I can let him in and not end up burned in the process.

But Samson’s next words bring it all crashing down. “How’d you get so good at axe throwing, anyway?”