“Oh?” Mom looks at him quizzically. “I thought we were going somewhere, Gem?”
“We—” I choke on the word. It’s way too comfortable in my mouth.
“You are, but first I need Gemma’s help with something. I wouldn’t be bothering you so early if it wasn’t important.” Ghost takes over before I can object. “But you can rest assured, I’ll have her back before you know it.”
“Well, all right then. I’ll keep the kettle warm for when you get back.” Mom smiles at me, then him, and heads for the kitchen.
“How about you grab those things we spoke about, little Gem?” His tone is still eerily pleasant. I’m not sure if that should make me less nervous or more.
“Give me five minutes,” I say, only now realizing the hand that sent my world into a spiral hasn’t moved since he entered.
“Wonderful.” He smiles, ducking back out the door.
Making my way to my room to grab my overnight bag stuffed with clothes and other essentials, I’m not sure what to make of my current situation. He wouldn’t be here talking pleasantly with my mom if things weren’t heading in a good direction. But what’s his endgame?
I gather my things and stop in the kitchen to give Mom a kiss on the cheek before I go. She giggles and waves me off. Guess I can’t blame her. She doesn’t know the severity of this situation.
Outside, the air’s much colder, but even the chill can’t seem to penetrate my scorched cheeks.
“It’s part of the adventure,” I mutter to myself as I stand face to face with the black SUV that’s going to whisk me away. “Another hill to climb. Everything’s going to be okay.”
“You’re damn right it is.” Ghost’s voice comes from behind, and I jump at it.
“I thought you were in the car.”
He scoffs, brushing past me and walking to the passenger’s side. “What kind of man would I be if I didn’t open the door for you?”
It takes me too long to find my footing. Everything about him sends me down another rabbit hole. Savage and vicious, soft and kind, who the fuck is this guy?
And why am I starting to feel safer the longer he’s around?
“I don’t even know your name.” Flustered words fight to the surface.
The corner of his lip ticks up, and he speaks softly and sultrily. “You will, little Gem.”
I get in without another second of thought.
4
GHOST
Gemma’s been quiet the whole ride here. Uncomfortably so. Guess I can’t blame her. Giving the ultimatum ofcome with me if you want to livewon’t sit right with anyone. But where her mouth has seldom parted, her eyes haven’t broken away from me since the second we pulled out of her driveway. It shouldn’t be out of fear anymore, not with me exposing my face. Everyone in this damn town knows I never take off my mask.
“What is this place?” she asks as I pull into an abandoned parking lot. The slight quiver in her voice reveals her growing nerves.
“I’d take you back to my apartment, but I don’t think it’s wise.” Honesty. If I want her to trust me, I have to give it in spades. “This is one of my safe houses.”
“Looks like an abandoned motel.” Gemma’s stunning blue eyes snap away from me and drink in the building washed in the early morning sun’s glow.
“That’s because it is.” I kill the engine and get out. I circle the front of my SUV and stop at Gemma’s door, pausing for a second.
While she looks on at the dilapidated building, I get to see her in a more natural state. Not wrought with terror, side-eyeing me like I’m going to kill her. Just herself. The woman kicked my legs out from under me. Forced my hand to make a choice that could have severe consequences.
But anyone brave enough to try and fuck this up better get ready to lay down their life for it.
I open her door. “Let me grab your things.”
She turns to me, and for the first time today, she smiles. It’s weak, broken, but there nonetheless.
