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“Was. For about a year.” I say nervously as Chad’s voice insisting I quit echoes in my ears. “Past tense.”

Auggie watches me carefully, like he’s trying to unravel me, but Ember isn’t deterred by my tone.

“Listen, if you want to get back into interior design, or even staging, we’re always looking for people. And I should have said this earlier, but if you ever wanna look for a rental, let me know.” Her eyes sparkle with unrestrained excitement.

“The three of you would have a corner on the market,” Auggie says encouragingly before he resumes eating.

My heart gives a sad thump. A reminder that this, tonight with these people, is temporary.

I sigh, as if the heavy exhale will carry away my sadness. “As much as I’d love that, I tend to move around a lot. Kind of a nomad, not staying in one place for too long.”

The brightness in Ember's eyes dims a fraction before she shakes her head.

“You never know what the universe has in store for you,” she says wistfully.

Except the universe hates me.

Chapter 9

Breakthroughs and Break-Ins

AUGUSTUS

Two in the morning.

I’ve been lying in bed for hours trying to fall asleep with no success.

Why?

Because I’m replaying every conversation I’ve had with Cordelya Holland.

On repeat.

Again.

And again.

And again.

Each one left me with more questions than answers. Every answer raised three more questions.

Which is why I find myself staring at my ceiling at zero dark thirty, wondering how she went from interior designer to waitress. Why does her whole body tense when someone asks her a personal question? Why is she always scanning her surroundings? Why does she look for the fastest exit everywhere she goes?

It’s clear she’s hiding from something. Or maybe someone.

The thought of Cordelya having to look over her shoulder, living her life in fear, stirs something primal within me. The need to protect surges so strongly, it takes me off guard.

Whatever she’s facing, she doesn’t have to face it alone.

She’s safe here.

Safe with me.

I just need to convince her of that.

My battle for sleep continues for several more hours before I give up and crawl out of bed.

No amount of coffee or O-negative will successfully revive me today.