Page 69 of Pretend for Me

Thinking of Cassie and our future reminded me of something I had been wanting to get out of the safe since we’d reunited. I opened my office door and then proceeded to punch in the code to my wall safe. Once the code was entered, I lifted the bar to open it. I shuffled the random things inside around: money, important documents, a few gold bars Wyatt gave me as a gift, cufflinks, and the most priceless item in there—Cassie’s locket.

The locket I gave her as a present all those years ago.

The very same locket I’d intended for Cassie to open on her eighteenth birthday. Inside was an inscription I had hopedwould be the best part of the gift. Except she never got to see it because everything fell apart before she could.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the necklace on my palm. I couldn’t go back, only forward. This was our fresh start. A time for new beginnings.

I needed to tell her I kept it after all this time. I needed to put it back where it belonged.

Hopefully the memories attached to the time period I’d originally given it to her wouldn't cloud the meaning behind it.

The elevator dinged and I heard a noise followed by movement in the foyer. Cassie and Charlie must have been back with the bagels. I was filled with a mix of excitement and resignation—excitement to see and touch Cassie again; resignation that his foster sister would be merciless in her teasing. I listened to the shuffling and realized that the footsteps sounded louder than expected, the movements much less graceful.

Making my way out of the office, I peered around the corner but didn’t see anyone. I wasn’t far enough into the hall to get a clear view of the elevator doors, so I attempted to turn the corner. I looked to the side and noticed my bedroom door was still closed.

Before I could step in that direction, a gunshot rang out, a loud bang echoing through the apartment as bits of the ceiling rained down.

Startled by the sound, I spun around, coming face to face with an intruder. As soon as I did, a hard body slammed into me, as the guy charged, trying to force me back and shove his way into the office.

My first thought was that I needed to ensure Cassie and Charlie weren’t in the apartment, and god forbid, hurt, so I tried to get a look as the guy kept shoving. I couldn’t give a shit aboutthe money or crap in the safe. I’d gladly turn it all over if it meant that my girl was alive and unharmed.

The attacker halted my movements, hitting me hard in the abdomen with his elbow, and I coughed from the blows. I had no choice but to stumble backwards, letting the assailant into the room. Spinning around, he positioned himself in front of the door, blocking the exit.

Harsh words were uttered into the air, the would-be robber waving his gun menacingly. Another gunshot exploded in the office, the sound deafening. I couldn’t register anything that was being said as pain ripped through my chest, bright red staining the white of my t-shirt as my legs started to give out.

I stumbled once more, this time falling to the ground into a crumpled heap. My ears rung, sound coming in and out, my vision growing unfocused. I couldn’t be certain, but I thought there may have been another gunshot, as fire clawed its way through my body. I gazed up and saw the intruder step over my prone body as he passed me on the floor.

I tried to regain my strength and stand.

I couldn’t move—I felt paralyzed.

I tried again, willing my body to get up. To do something. To check if there was anyone else home. To call for help, or to warn the girls to stay away.

Nothing worked. Everything felt heavy. My vision blurred more, everything turning dark as I struggled to keep my eyes open.

I gasped for air, willing my lungs to fill, but the pain in my chest was too much. I couldn’t breathe deeply no matter how much I tried. I coughed, and I thought liquid pooled in my throat.

Cassie.

Was she okay? She had to be okay.

I tried wiggling my fingers to no avail. I could no longer feel the locket I had been holding onto for dear life. As everything went dark, I envisioned the inscription inside:

“Marry Me. Make us real.”

36

CASSIE

“You’re already at the bagel shop? What did you do, run, Charlotte?” I shook my head and rolled my eyes, adjusting my bag over my shoulder. “Okay, I’ll be right there.”

That girl really wanted a free breakfast. I laughed to myself, walking faster in the direction of the shop. I turned the corner and was about to cross the street when I heard my name being called.

“Cassie.”

I spun around to find Charlotte standing outside the entrance. Her hair was wavy, and she was wearing ripped jeans and a sweatshirt. I was stunned to see Charlie wearing something more appropriate for a change.

“If it isn’t Little Miss Charlotte,” I admonished as I engulfed her in a big hug before pulling away to look at my foster sister. “Where have you been? Matthew’s been worried sick about you after that last visit. I have too,” I scolded, narrowing my eyes at the teenage girl.

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