AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nodded.
“You mean to tell me you let that young woman leave in the middle of the night?”
I dragged a hand through my hair. “Faith wanted to go. I couldn’t exactly keep her here against her wishes.” She wasn’t Belle, and this wasn’t a fairytale.
My mom set her mug down so quietly, it didn’t make a noise. “You let the woman you love leave in the middle of the night for no good reason. I raised you better than that. Would you let me leave in the middle of the night without giving me the fifth degree?”
I opened my mouth and snapped it shut when I realized she wasn’t done.
“You absolutely wouldn’t. And you know it, Sebastian Steele.” Her words dripped with disappointment.
My phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw it was Beck. Just then another alert popped on my phone.
Faith’s name flashed across the screen, but it wasn’t a text from her, it was my app letting me know that something had been said about her online. I clicked it open, and the headline captured my attention.
I Spy with My Little Eye, Faith Waters Back in the City
It felt like there were rocks in my stomach. Beck called again, and this time I picked it up.
“Have you seen it yet?” Beck asked, not bothering with pleasantries.
I scrubbed a hand down my face. “Just got the alert. Haven’t read it yet.”
“I don’t know how the fuck they found out about her being back already, but I will make sure she doesn’t leave the house without an escort.”
“I’ll follow the digital footprint and see what I can find.” I hung up and got to work.
But first I read the rest of the story.
I Spy with My Little Eye, Faith Waters Back in the City
From Sin City to THE City, Faith Waters is back in town after her little disappearing act. Word on the street is that she’ll be a featured artist in a gallery showing this weekend. Fellow artist Harmony Leekes dished the details and doubts that Ms. Waters’ paintings will live up to the gallery’s standards. Folks, this is probably just another case of nepotism at its finest. We’ll judge that for ourselves.
Toodle loo, lovies
It only took a few clicks to see that the gallery had indeed posted about the upcoming exhibit, listing all the artists who were showing their work.
At least I didn’t need to dig any further.
What I did need to do was check on Faith. She’d worked so hard on her art, and I didn’t want this to derail her progress.
I felt my mom’s eyes on me.
That’s right. I’m still in the kitchen.
“Did something happen to Faith?” Her voice was laced with concern.
I nodded, scooting my chair back to stand. “I need to go.”
Willow popped up, instantly by my side. I rubbed the top of her head before looking at my mom. “Can you watch her? I don’t know how long I’ll be out of town.”
My mom waved me off. “Of course. Go take care of your girl.”
I jogged to my room, not wanting to waste even a minute of my time. After tossing a few things in my duffle bag, I slung it over my shoulder and hit the road. Going after her like I should have done in the first place. I needed to keep her safe for now. Even if for now suddenly felt like wanting to keep her safe forever.
FORTY-FIVE
FAITH
