Page 166 of Dare To Live

“Thank you for coming with me to the chapel tonight.” He lifts my hand to his lips.

My heart flutters. “I hope it helped.”

“More than you know.”

“Maybe you’ll get some closure.”

“I think maybe we all will, after this week is up.”

He doesn’t mention the tomb or how my demons are still out there … lurking.

As much as I want to believe I can face them, the fear clutching my heart at going back there is real. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to do it. I want closure and to be strong, but my courage might just fail me before I even set foot back in the cemetery.

Chapter 94

Eli

“What are your plans for today?” Garrett asks.

We’re sitting in the cafeteria with him, Miles and Ivan, eating breakfast. Well, everyone else is eating breakfast, I’m drinking coffee and toying with Arabella’s ponytail. I feel lighter than I did yesterday. Maybe it’s all in my head, maybe it was going back to the chapel. I’m not examining it too closely.

“Does the school have anything planned?” Miles replies to Garrett’s question with one of his own.

“No. Today is a free day. Walk around, soak up the memories … for those who have good ones, anyway. Catch up with friends. And do last minute preparations for tomorrow night’s prom,” Garrett says.

“We’re going to take a walk.” Arabella’s head turns toward me when I speak. “There’s something we need to do.”

“There is?” A small frown crinkles her brow.

“There is.” I tweak her ponytail. “In fact, we should get moving.” I smile across the table. “I’m not sure how long we’ll be, so how about we meet for dinner tonight? We could drive into town and find a restaurant.”

“I’ll book somewhere,” Ivan offers when everyone nods. “Eight good for everyone? I’ll text you all the details.”

Pushing up out of my seat, I hold out my hand. “Come on, Hellcat. We have things to do.”

She’s still frowning when she links her fingers with mine and lets me lead her out of the cafeteria.

“Where are we going?”

“For a walk.” I push open the door, step outside, and set off at a brisk pace toward the path which winds through the trees. I don’t want anyone to stop us or give Arabella time to think; otherwise, she’ll figure out our destination and fight me.

When we reach the bench, I stop. “Sit with me?”

“What are we doing here?” She waits until I’m seated before perching on the edge beside me.

“Do you trust me?”

“Why?” Her frown is back.

I pull out the slither of black material from my pocket and let it unroll. “Red or green, Kitten?”

Her eyes widen. “It’s broad daylight.”

“And that is why I need to know if you trust me.”

The blindfold hangs between us. After a beat, she reaches for it.

“Am I supposed to put it on?”

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