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In a few hours, I’ll be home. I still consider Thorne Haven and the manor my home. Even though I didn’t grow up there, it’s kept me safe, it’s given me a second chance, and it’s given me a love I can’t lose.
I check my phone again, but there’s no reply from Finn. When I check Zaria’s social media, I notice she’s not posted in a few days. The last image on her profile is her arriving in Tynewood.
I open my news app to see what’s been happening in the world. At times, when I’m lost in my mind, I forget there’s a world out there. The first story that pops up is of Zaria’s mother. But it’s most certainly not what I’m expecting to read because this is going to break her heart.
“Shit,” I mumble. The woman has already remarried. It’s only been a short while since her husband passed away and she’s moved on. It makes no sense. But when I see the photo of the man beside her, the world stops and my breath is stuck in my lungs.
There is no doubt about who he is because his daughter looks just like him.
19
FINN
I didn’t expect to see Jarred again for at least a few weeks. When I left him in Tynewood, I told him I needed space. But as I pull open the office door, I find him sitting opposite my desk. He turns to regard me when I step into the room.
He’s dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that shows off his inked arms. All the time we’ve been together, I’ve always loved how he was like a walking canvas. When I make it to my desk, I stop and turn to him.
“What are you doing here?” I ask him as I slip into my chair. Even though I’m trying to keep my tone calm, there’s a hint of frustration at seeing him. I’m still angry he kept a whole part of who he is from me.
“Did you not listen to my voice message?” Jarred asks, his eyes glowing with frustration. The silver turning to ice as he regards me. I’ve learned to read him like a book, and I know that most times, I drive him up the wall because I can be overly stubborn.
“No.” I open my laptop, ignoring him for a moment before I glance his way. “If you need to tell me something, do so now. I’m busy.”
“Don’t be a dick.”
“Don’t be a dick?” Incredulity drips from my words. “I’m the one you lied to for all the time we’ve known each other. Fuck you,” I bite out. “I am allowed to be fucking angry at you because I trusted you. I told you things I haven’t even told my brothers and you sat there, hiding shit from me.”
“I deserve that,” Jarred agrees with a nod. “But if you grew up in that bullshit secret society, rules and regulations, you’d understand why it’s part of my life I wanted to put behind me.”
People think growing up wealthy is easy. They believe that everything falls into your lap without consequence, but it’s the complete opposite. All the opportunities that come from a family name or legacy, all those perks that appear without you having to lift a finger, they come with terms and conditions.
“Fine. You’re forgiven,” I tell him with a nonchalant shrug.
“Don’t bullshit me,” Jarred responds as he pushes to his feet. “You’re angry, I can see it written all over your face. You need to listen to me, to really understand,” he insists, so I wave a hand for him to continue. “When I was growing up, there was only one path for my future, one I didn’t want. And even though I told my father I wasn’t interested in the society, he told me that if I didn’t want in, I could leave.”
“So you left,” I finish for him. “I’m not angry about anything other than you lying to me. My father found out and sent you along on the trip, so I could find out, and trust me, I’m going to talk to him about that,” I say, before leaning my elbows on the desk. “I’m angry because someone I loved, someone that I gave my fucking heart to lied to me.” I’d never told Jarred I loved him. Ever. He knew, I was sure of it, but I never once brought myself to utter the words. They weren’t who I was. And even now, it’s foreign to talk about my feelings.
Jarred’s mouth pops open, shock painting his handsome face. The glint of his piercing shimmering in the sunlight that streams through the windows.
I can’t draw my attention away, but the office door opens, and I glance Zaria leaning on the door frame. “Come in,” I call to her, so she can shut us in for privacy. I don’t like the staff being able to listen in on my conversations. They’re usually pretty good and will close the door if I’m in here, but right now, there’s a lot to discuss.
