Page 38 of Consume Me

So, the ones who live here at the compound. That leaves a lot of potential traitors among the Family’s members.

Kaden’s jaw sets in a hard line. “That shortens the list by three.”

Bailey’s parents, Abigail’s parents, and the other seniors who don’t have active leadership roles in the Family remain, still working for it.

“Return to campus. It’s the safest place for you at the moment.”

We don’t even bother to buckle up once we’re in the car.

“Hey, are you okay?” Celine asks Abigail, who stares straight ahead, not even blinking and stiff as a statue.

“I’d rather die than have him catch me,” Abigail says through a gulp.

We all move to hug her as best we can in the confined space.

“I’ll kill him before Felix even dares to come near you,” Celine says, locking eyes with her in a shared moment.

“I need a drink,” Abigail mutters, and Celine drives to the house.

We’re the first to arrive. As I set the glasses down, the guys walk in. I can’t tell who has the more dangerous look.

They all sit around on the couch, and Bailey pours each of them a drink. Everyone downs theirs, except Blake.

“If there’s a time to drink, it’s now,” Dane says.

“It wouldn’t help. But what would is to find the fucker before he finds––” He looks at me, and I know with absolute certainty he’d kill his own father to keep me safe.

I hear them talking, trying to come up with a plan, but I’m just exhausted. The thought that I could lose any of them debilitates me, so I go to my room and get under the covers. With my eyes closed, I try to fall asleep when I hear my door opening. My heart thumps a wild staccato.He’s here.

Blake tiptoes to my side of the bed, placing something down. The moon casts a dim light on him, yet his gorgeous features overshadow the darkness.

“A gift?” I ask. I don’t want to be alone, and no one could cast my loneliness away like he does with his simple presence.

He drops onto the edge of the bed. “I swear to everything that nothing will happen to you.”

“I know. I just wish you’d make the promise to yourself as well.”

Silence falls while he watches me. I see the terror etched in his eyes, warring with remorse.

Picking up the hair clip, strong emotions envelop me. It’s green with a violet butterfly, so delicate and fragile—just like everything between us.

“Should I expect more?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood. When he’s here, it’s so easy for me to pretend he cares like I want him to—not as a friend or someone he feels protective toward, but because I mean more to him. The delusion will be the death of all my romantic dreams.

“Twenty,” he says. “I bought one in every city I fought.”

My mouth opens in incredulity.Why did you?The question is on the tip of my tongue, but what am I supposed to do with that information? “Trying to make up for the one you stole?”

“I didn’t think you’d notice. That one is mine. It became my lucky charm,” he says with a grin that melts me.

“I could have given it to you.”If you’d have just asked.I know I am pathetic, but I’d give him everything he wanted.

“We didn’t part in a friendly way.”

I scoot up with my back leaning against the headboard. I might be dreaming, but I can’t believe he’s in my room, and we’re actually having a heartfelt conversation.

“I’m sorry I called you a coward.”

“You had every right to call me whatever you wanted. You didn’t want me to leave.”

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