Page 97 of Snake

True to his word, Knox is taking me back to town to catch a cab. I let out a soft sigh and glance at the occupants of the car. Mason grins when our eyes meet and then gives me a wink. There’s a curl on Silas’s mouth that turns into a smile. But Knox has his eyes on the road, and won’t even glance into the rearview mirror.

I’m so busy looking at them that when I look out the window again, I do a double take. “Uh...I think we went past...”

I keep forgetting how small Cinderhart is. I literally blinked a few times, and we passed straight through town. When I look into the rearview mirror, a pair of black eyes are already staring into it, waiting for my response. “Should I just ship everything back to you?” he asks dryly. “Or are you in such a rush to get out of here you can’t spare a minute to collect your things?”

My lips purse, and I curl my fingers under my chin as I turn back to the window.

Mason slides a hand over my thigh. “Can I just say what we’re all thinking? Last night was—”

“The perfect farewell,” Knox cuts in.

There’s a soft sound from Mason’s throat, but then his jaw tightens and he takes his hand off my thigh, staring out his window instead.

Tears prick at my eyelids, but I blink them back with iron will.

Knox is right. It was the perfect end to a... tumultuous adventure. I’ll always remember the night I spent with them. How good they made me feel. How good it felt to make them feel good.

I was a goddess, and they were my worshipers. I’ve never felt so loved, so revered in my life.

All good things come to an end. And I’d rather remember them for that one perfect evening than risk ruining it by spending more time with them.

Plus, Knox made it pretty clear that it’s over.

I force further thoughts out of my mind, because I’m just tempting more tears. The Pellegrino mansion appears between the trees about ten minutes later, and my stomach tightens.

Vicky said she’d arranged for me to meet my sponsors. It’ll be rude to disappear before then, but what’s the point of knowing who they are if I’m not staying in Cinderhart?

All I need from this place is my bag with my things in it, and that box of photos Vicky gave me.Something to remember my parents by.

I get out of the car as soon as Knox has stopped. “I won’t be long,” I say, not really aiming the comment at anyone in particular.

Knox lets out a soft sigh and then climbs out of the car, too. “I’m not sure if anyone’s awake yet. Let me open the door for you.”

It’s early, but I’m sure the Pellegrinos are awake by now. But I don’t feel like arguing, so I follow him up the drive and to the front door, glancing back at the car as he unlocks the door. I can’t see Mason or Silas through the tinted windows, and I’m glad for that.

I can’t bear seeing even a hint of disappointment on their faces.

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