Page 21 of The Secrets of Roan Island

“Don’t. Please. Don’t.” I cried, afraid.

David laughed. A cruel laugh. “You can think about what your stupid sister went through, probably asking for what she got. Then, when I let you out, you can figure out how your mouth is going to say you’re sorry for lusting after another man.”

“Miss Rose?”

I blink.

Noah Roan is standing in front of me holding the candelabra, frowning.

Swallowing the acid that burns my throat, I close my eyes to find my strength, pushing David back into the recesses of my mind. When I reopen them to see Noah’s face once more, I straighten my spine, unnerved by how often this man has seen me at my weakest. “You said something about a boat?”

His eyes narrow, then he nods. “It will be here for you tomorrow. To take you back to the mainland.”

“Now, wait. Your father said I was welcome to use the library through Solstice.”

“Have you found anything of use?”

“No. But–”

“Then there’s no point staying.”

“There’s every reason to continue to look.”

Even in the dark, I pick up on the tension in his shoulders, the sharp tightness in his jaw. “You will leave on the boat, Miss Rose.” There’s an undertone to his voice that’s almost a snarl. “Until then, stay out of this hall.”

He places a firm palm on my back and pushes me forward. The moment my feet begin to move, his hand drops away, leaving behind a thrilling chill.

12

Noah

Iknock on her door knowing this is going to be a fight. I don’t understand why Miss Rose wants to stay here. Though I know she hasn’t found what she’s looking for and hasn’t gotten her grant, she’s a smart woman and should understand by now that she won’t find either of those things here. I would think she’d be anxious to get back to society and the comforts that an old, empty house like this will never provide. She panics nearly every time she walks down a dark corridor, and goddess knows, there are plenty of those around here.

Perhaps we’ve been too accommodating. Maybe if I make things a bit more difficult for her, she might be more inclined to go. I knock again.

But as I wait, I have to admit the idea of scaring Ruby Rose isn’t appealing. As infuriating as she is, I find myself… considering her. Even wanting to take care of her. It’s the whole damn reason I’m trying to get her out of here.

With a scowl, I knock a third time. “Miss. Rose?”

When she doesn’t answer again, I crack open the door. Perhaps she’s taking an afternoon nap. But when I peek inside, she isn’t there. The bed is perfectly made, everything in its place.

I growl and slam the door shut behind me as I stalk from her room to the library, which is also empty. As are the emerald parlor and the billiard’s room. The next place I think to check is the greenhouse, though now my ire has waned to worry, afraid my father has caught on to my plan to get her off the island. My steps beat a staccato rhythm on the floor and only slow when I hear her voice.

And Shemaiah’s.

I grind my teeth together.

“Who planted all this?” Her voice lilts across the space. My steps slow.

“Our mother.”

“Oh.” There’s a pause before she asks, “May I inquire what happened?”

Shemaiah, who’s suffered more loss than any of us, answers, “Dead.”

The stark harshness of the word hangs in the atmosphere. I’m not sure if it’s the need to ease her discomfort, my brother’s pain, or my own desire to stop any conversation of our mother that has me hurrying my steps. I’m sure Shemaiah can hear me coming by now.

“I’m sorry,” Ruby says quietly.

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