Page 122 of Promised Love
I think if there’s one way I would really not want to die, it would be by getting burned.
~ Autumn
From: lukasspencer
To: autumnthefallqueen
Hi, Autumn,
Everyone is scared of something, even a Navy SEAL.
And what is this talk about dying? You’re too young to think about that. Are you still binge-watching horror movies?
- Lukas
From: autumnthefallqueen
To: lukasspencer
Guilty as charged. :P
~ Autumn
Fuck! I turn off my monitor. This is miserable.
Maybe I should go on a ride or go away for a few days. The thought comes with a gnawing worry that I’d miss whatever Autumn has sent for me and asked my friends to hide in my house.
That’s the reason you’re going away, you fucker.
Before my brain gets fried, winding and releasing like a yo-yo every other second, I decide to go for a bike ride. That always clears my head. I leave the office feeling more energized than I’ve felt in the past week, but my steps come to a halt hearing Connor and Keith’s argument.
“We should tell him.”
I can sense the urgency in Keith’s voice.
“He doesn’t want to know. Why can’t you understand that, Adams? Meanwhile, Gavin is there, and he can do whatever Lukas can. Or are you doubting my brother’s capabilities?”
My feet are plastered on the ground. I can’t believe my ears. Connor King never takes sides, and definitely not his brother’s.
“I didn’t say that. But it’s…Autumn. Lukas needs to know—”
Fear flickers in my chest as I barge into Connor’s office, kicking the half-open door. “What the fuck is going on?”
They both look at each other, and when Connor’s expression gives nothing away, I grab Keith’s shoulders. “Tell me.”
“The inn caught fire.”
My pulse pounds at a furious rhythm as I imagine black smoke rising up in the air, burning everything.
“A part of it. Some barn. It’s used for storage…or something,” Keith rushes to add. I remember that the day Mr. Big gave me a tour, he showed me what he called the waiting-for-some-love section, which is now used for storing old furniture.
But it doesn’t help my worry. There’s a lot of wood in there, which can make a fire big enough to engulf the whole inn, but Keith’s next words have my core rattling with fear.
“Autumn was in there…checking some inventory.”
“No!” A sharp burst of pain hits my chest.
“Lukas, don’t worry, Gavin is there. He’s working with the fire department. As soon as they can get inside, he’ll make sure she’s safe.” Connor’s words reach my ear from someplace far away.
