Page 61 of The Torment of Two

Me: It’s not dollhouse shit.

Dax: Whatever, 2. I need out from under that woman’s constant criticism. You’re lucky you have two dads and no mom. Just saying.

I am lucky to have my two dads.

Knowing just how almost unlucky I was is a constant reminder that plagues me.

Ignoring Dax for the time being, I shoot out a reply to Gemma.

Me: No one followed you to HH? Gregory’s not creeping on you either? Maybe Gregory IS your stalker.

Gemma: TWO! Don’t freak me out! Get your ass here and protect me from that cantankerous old man!

We text back and forth each time I get stuck at a red light, but I like knowing that as long as she’s texting with me, she’s safe.

Maybe moving in with Dax is a great idea. I could see Gemma and my parents would never have to know. When I park at Hemingford Hall beside Gemma’s Tahoe, I text Dax back.

Me: I’m in to move this summer. Won’t hurt to start looking at places now.

He sends me a fuckton of unnecessary heart eye emojis that have me chuckling. I love my dads with everything in me, but it would be nice to have Gemma all alone whenever I wanted with nobody to get upset over it.

Suddenly, May seems like forever away.

Gemma

Two finds me in Alexander’s office and it’s like we’ve been apart a lifetime. With a barely stifled squeal, I rush over to him and throw my arms around his neck. He grabs my ass and lifts me, encouraging me to wrap my legs around him too. His pleased grin warms me from head to toe.

“Missed me, huh?”

“Kinda.” I run my fingers through his messy hair. “Did you miss me?”

“Who are you again?”

I roll my eyes and huff, but he chases away my annoyance with a starved kiss that has me forgetting my own name. When we finally pull back for air, he gives me a dopey smile that makes my heart melt.

“Yeah, I missed you, Golden.”

Paula’s voice can be heard nearby, which is the only reason we pry ourselves apart. I doubt she’d be too thrilled to have us making out on her watch. That’s not what we’re here for.

“What are we doing today aside from stealing kisses whenever we can?” I point toward the bookcase. “We can look for more hidden artifacts if you want.”

Two seems eager to do just that because he starts tapping on book spines, clearly hoping to get lucky finding a hollow one. As he does his thing, I stand back and inspect the massive bookcase that takes up the entire wall.

There’s just something about this bookcase that keeps stealing my focus.

I know there’s something here.

More artifacts or letters hidden away in empty books?

While Two continues his search, I step out of Alexander’s office to explore the space next door. It’s a simple, narrow room that’s currently being used as a catch-all for boxes and Christmas decor.

The room on the other side of that one is a sitting room with furniture hidden beneath sheets. This room is larger and more like Alexander’s office in size.

But something feels off.

Hemingford Hall is full of secrets, so I’m learning to let my gut lead the way. Right now, it’s telling me to go back to the second room. I inspect the walls and ceiling before checking both the third room and Alexander’s office.

There’s at least a six-foot thickness between the office and the catch-all room.

---