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We’re about to turn, when Tamara comes around the corner, blinking at us.
It’s almost comical.
“I’m coming back,” Aurora assures her. She sighs and walks the other way.
Hayden ushers us to the van.
I should feel exhilarated, yet I feel dead inside.
“Enjoy your freedom,” he says, and I gulp, regret already taking up residence where my heart used to be. It’s now I realize if this guy was able to breach Kieran’s fortress of a house, he’s dangerous.
“I am taking you to my place,” he says, but it’s as if Aurora doesn’t register much.
“And what then?” she finally asks in a meek voice.
“I’ll explain everything when we’re there.”
Aurora nods and fidgets with her fingers, dabbing her eyes from time to time, even though every time she looks at me, it’s with a reassuring smile.
I don’t think I deserve to have such an incredible friend.
The events of tonight crash down on me, burying me under. I deserve misery. It’s of my own choosing. When we’ve boarded Hayden’s private jet, I slump in a leather seat, drag my feet to my chest, and close my eyes.
***
Aurora nudges me awake. “We’re here.”
My first thought is of Cato. Is he awake? Does he hate me?
Hayden and his men take us to a van, which is flanked by three bulky SUVs. The sun beats down on us and not even the air conditioning cools my skin.
We drive for a while and come to a mansion sprawled on a green hill surrounded by thick and lush vegetation. Men pointing with guns from posts are scattered around.
At the foot of the stairs, an elderly woman greets us, and when she sees Aurora, emotions gather in her eyes. She looks at Hayden as if she’s happy for him.
“Magdalena, show them to their rooms,” he says to her and turns to us, adding, “I have some things to take care of. She’s my housekeeper and will cater to whatever you need.”
Magdalena shows us around. The house is an enormous open space, decorated in a minimalistic way, with big windows.
We follow her upstairs, and she gestures to two rooms, one next to the other. I step inside, forcing myself out of the trance I’m in. I take in the room with the queen-size bed, and outside the window, a beautiful scenic landscape stretches wide.
I find Aurora in the other guestroom on the bed, head between her hands, and my guilt intensifies.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” she says, and it doesn’t escape me, it’s more of an encouragement than a statement.
After I shower and change, I find Hayden and Aurora at the table, their plates filled with various foods. I take a few bites and Aurora does the same before she pushes the plate aside.
“You can walk around the perimeter, but the house on the other side is off-limits to you.”
We exchange a look, and then Hayden leaves us.
We wander the property. Following a road to the house, we find a dark-brown haired woman staring outside the window gesticulating, while Hayden raises his hands in exasperation.
We step toward the door, but two guards say, “You can’t enter.”
We retreat, and I say, “Who is she?”
