Page 99 of Love so Hot

I can't help but think of all the nights spent planning protests, the adrenaline rush of civil disobedience, the fierce pride I felt standing beside River as we fought for our cause. It feels like betraying a part of myself to walk away from that.

Mrs. Sullivan's eyes soften with understanding. "Who we start out as is different than who we end up. The people who impact us along the way are important, but that doesn't mean we need to hold onto them so tightly that we prevent ourselves from moving forward."

I try and smile, but my lips just wont move. "Whatever you decide tonight, I know it'll be the right decision." She pats my hand. "I'm going to get some more roses from the back. Stay right there," she says.

I nod. I watch her disappear into the back. I hope she's right. Because right now? Everything feels so wrong.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Willow

The darknessof Greenwood Hollow's forest swallows us whole as River and I creep through the underbrush. Twigs snap under my feet, and I wince with each step, imagining some forest creature scurrying away in terror. Or worse, a security guard catching us red-handed.

"Keep up," River hisses over his shoulder, his silhouette barely visible in the gloom. "We're almost there."

I roll my eyes. "Yes, sir," I mutter under my breath. As if I have any choice but to follow him on this ridiculous midnight adventure. Apparently, this is how I prove my loyalty to the cause. Joy.

As we pick our way along the ridge, my mind wanders to the absurdity of my situation. Here I am, tramping through the woods with a man I once thought I loved, planning God-knows-what kind of eco-terrorism. And the kicker? My time with Larry—my fake fiancé and supposed mortal enemy—taught me more about respect and healthy relationships than years with River ever did.

I wonder if there's any humanity left in him. Maybe there's some redeeming qualities left, lurking underneath all his rage. "Hey, Riv. Remember when we used to come up here to stargaze?" I gesture at the sky, where a faint sprinkling of stars peeks through the clouds.

River's face hardens. "What the hell are you on about? I told you to focus."

Well, I guess that gives me my answer.

As I watch him scan the valley with feverish intensity, I can't help but compare him to Larry. Sure, Larry is no saint, but at least he listens. He considers consequences. River, on the other hand, seems to have left all reason behind in his crusade.

"Earth to Willow," River waves a hand in front of my face. "You with me?"

I plaster on another fake smile. "Always."

But as we continue our reconnaissance, a knot forms in my stomach. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up this charade. Something's got to give, and soon.

I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't notice the twig until it's too late. The snap echoes through the quiet night like a gunshot.

River whirls around, his eyes flashing. In an instant, he's on me, his fingers digging into my arm as he yanks me close. "What the hell, Willow?" he hisses. "Are you trying to get us caught?"

I wince, both from his grip and the venom in his voice. "Sorry, I just?—"

"Just what? Decided to take a leisurely stroll?" His face is inches from mine, those piercing green eyes boring into me. "This isn't a game. We can't afford any mistakes."

I try to pull away, but he holds me fast. "I said I was sorry, okay? It won't happen again."

River's grip loosens slightly, but his suspicion doesn't waver. "You've been distracted all night. What's going on with you?"

My heart races. This is it. The moment of truth. I could come clean, tell him how conflicted I feel, how I'm not sure this is the right path anymore. But as I look at him, at the fervor burning in his eyes, I know he wouldn't understand. He'd see it as a betrayal.

So I lie.

"Nothing's going on," I say, forcing conviction into my voice. "I'm just tired. But I'm here, River. I'm 100% behind you and the cause. You know that."

The words taste like ash in my mouth. Inside, I'm screaming. What happened to the idealistic college kids we used to be? When did saving the world become synonymous with destruction?

River studies me for a long moment, then nods. "Alright. Just... stay focused, okay? We can't afford any slip-ups."

As he turns away, continuing down the path, I stay rooted to the spot. My arm throbs where he grabbed me, a physical reminder of how far we've strayed from our original ideals. I used to admire River's passion, but now it scares me.

I'm not sure what's right anymore. The pipeline will cause damage, sure, but so will blowing up machinery. And what about the workers? They're just trying to make a living.

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