Page 93 of Gilded Saint

He scratches his ear. “I’m thinking that’s a no,” he says, pointing the end of his blade in my direction. “You can’t expect I’ll keep a traitor around.”

Fuck. I don’t want to kill Nick.

“How’d you find out?” Who else knows?

“Let’s say it’s best you go dark.”

Light breaks through the mist across the field.

My knees bend slightly, preparing.

“Get out of here.”

I straighten, breath held. What did he say?

“Go. I’m gonna finish my run. When I’m back, be on your way. Understood?”

“Nick?”

He sheaths his knife. And waits. Solemn and astute.

“Thanks for being my best man. You were the best I could’ve asked for in this world.”

He answers with a jerk of his head and silently mouths the phrasein this world.

“I’m going to leave a number. You ever need anything. If things spiral with the alliance…it’s the number for you to call. You change your mind…the goals are the same. Stability.”

He opens his mouth, thoughtful. His jaw shifts back and forth. “Get out of here. Stay low.”

I hold a fist out. It’s a weak goodbye gesture.

“Watch your back.” I mean it. And he senses it. At least, that’s my hope.

Chapter31

Willow

When I wake up, the sheets on his side of the bed are cold. A bag lies on the floor beside the armoire that holds my clothes.

Is he leaving again?

I’m in the bathroom with a toothbrush in my mouth when he stomps into the room.

“We need to go. Pack anything you need to take with you. You can shower at home.”

Panic strikes, but he’s gone.

I quickly get it together. Whatever’s going on, at least he’s not leaving me this time.

The bedroom door swings open as I zip the duffel closed.

“Is Lina up?” I should say goodbye to her, if we have time.

“No. We have a lead on a flat.”

“We’re moving?”

“Can’t stay where we are.” He reaches for the bag. “Ready?”

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