AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We made our way through the crowded restaurant, the scent of expensive perfume and cologne filling the air. The hostess ledus to a private table in the corner, away from prying eyes, which I was grateful for.
I didn’t belong in a place like this, and at least this way, no one could see the fraud trying to awkwardly fit in.
Locke ordered a bottle of red wine, and we both sat in silence until it was poured and the waiter left the table.
“You gave me your word that you wouldn’t do The Hunt again,” he said, his voice cold and unforgiving.
There was a long silence between us, the only sound the distant murmur of other patrons. I could feel Locke’s eyes on me, studying me carefully.
“I know you feel I gave you my word,” I began after sipping from my wine. “But I didn’t promise. I didn’t actually say it.”
Locke’s eyes bored into mine, and for a moment, I thought he was going to say something else. But then, he took a long sip of wine and leaned back in his chair.
“Are we really going to play that game?” he finally said, his eyes flickering with anger.
I swallowed thickly, knowing that there was no way to talk my way out of this. But there was something inside me that couldn’t resist the thrill of The Hunt. The danger, the adrenaline rush, it was like a drug that I couldn’t get enough of.
“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I couldn’t help myself. The Hunt is addictive, and I think you know that.”
Locke’s eyes narrowed, and I could feel the tension in the air.
I continued, “You don’t have an issue with anyone else on this island being part of it.Youhost it. You. And I can bet money you wore your own bone mask last night too. I think you’re being a hypocrite. You yourself condone The Hunt.”
Locke sighed, his face softening slightly. “You’re different.”
“You aren’t my father, Locke.”
My words seemed as if they were a slap to his face by the way he flinched, but he quickly composed himself and took another sip of wine.
“I know I’m not your father,” he began slowly. “But I took you under my wing when your father died. You’re my responsibility.”
“I’m a grown woman just like every other participant. I consented to this,” I said, trying to sound confident. “Iwantedto be part of this.”
Locke shook his head, his expression disappointed. “Gabriel would kill me if he was still alive. No way in hell would he allow this.”
“He’s dead,” I said with more bite in my tone than I’d intended. “And no matter how much you try to shelter and overprotect me, nothing will change that fact.”
Locke’s eyes widened at my words, and I immediately regretted them. But the damage had been done, and the tension between us had reached a boiling point.
For a long moment, Locke simply stared at me, his eyes unreadable. And then, he let out a long sigh and leaned forward.
“You’re right,” Locke finally said. “He is dead. But that doesn’t mean we forget his wishes.”
He took a deep breath and set down his wineglass. I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off.
“And you promised.”
I didn’t know what to say to that, so we sat in silence once again. The waiter came by to take our orders, but I couldn’t even decide what to eat. My mind was elsewhere, thinking about what Locke had said. Luckily, Locke ordered steaks for both of us so I didn’t have to.
“You’re right,” I finally said, surprising myself. “I shouldn’t have gone behind your back like that. I’m sorry.”
I glanced around the restaurant, taking in the beauty and charm of the place for the first time. Even though it was elegant,there was something calm and soothing about it as well. It was a small, intimate space with dim lighting that cast a warm glow over everything. The walls were adorned with paintings and photographs, and a jazz trio played softly in the corner. It was the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.
“But I’m not sorry I did The Hunt,” I added. “I’m just sorry I was sneaky about it with you.”
Locke nodded, but I could still see the disappointment in his eyes. He was silent, which was actually worse than if he were screaming and yelling at me. I hated not being able to read him. Not knowing what he was thinking. For someone that I knew so well, I often felt I knew nothing at all.
“Can I ask you something?” I finally said after taking a sip of my own wine. “Why? Why do you feel this need to watch over me the way you do? And don’t just say it’s because you were best friends with my dad.”
