Page 32 of ’Til You Break

“Really?” She pushes herself away from the wall and launches herself straight into my arms. She wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me while bouncing excitedly on the balls of her feet.

I remain perfectly still. I make no attempt to return the embrace.

“Yes,” I say. “But you should know my time comes at a steep price. And I’ll be collecting.”

She finally looks up at me. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I simply turn and disappear back into my office.

Some things are better left a mystery.

Chapter Eleven

Hannah

I’m a little worried about seeing the family.

I have a great relationship with my mom, and with Vik’s dad. They’ve always been good to me, supporting every dream I’ve wanted to pursue. But after I lost my job, I started putting some distance between us. It was easier than going over to see them, terrified I might crack and let something slip.

So, getting ready for what should, by all accounts, be a fun family lunch hasn’t been easy.

Vik’s cryptic warning that his coming would cost me certainly hasn’t helped. I’ve been jumping at shadows all week, half expecting him to appear and carry out whatever he has in mind.

Nothing happened. In fact, we’ve barely seen each other.

He’s been out of the house far more than I expected. Considering the public image he’s built as a secretive recluse, I assumed Vik shut himself away at home and only ventured out when it was absolutely necessary.

Apparently not.

I probably should have realized that after seeing him at the Crucible. But everything that happened there left me in such a haze that I never gave it another thought.

With so much time to myself this week, I found myself replaying that night over and over. Why was he there?

The only explanation I can come up with is that he followed me. He must have seen Lindsey and me leaving the house, changed his plans, and gone to the club after us.

But why go to all that trouble?

Was he trying to keep me safe? Or was it his way of showing me exactly what he wanted?

I sigh as I pull on my white platform sneakers. Mom insisted it was just a simple family lunch and there was no need to dress up.

Thankfully.

I settle on a blue-and-green plaid skirt and a pale blue t-shirt. It’s scorching outside, and I want something light and comfortable.

“Are you ready, Hannah?” Vik calls ten minutes before we’re due to leave.

Butterflies immediately take flight inside my stomach. I grab my handbag and join him in the living room.

Unlike me, who’s dressed for the weather, Vik is wearing a silver suit. The same hat he wore when we met at the diner sits perfectly on his head, although this time, he’s left the coat behind.

“Ready!” I stop beside him.

He tilts his head slightly. My skin prickles as his eyes slowly travel the length of my body before settling on the bare stretch of thigh beneath my skirt.

“You’re ravishing.”

He rises and gestures for me to lead the way. I’m grateful to be walking ahead of him.