Page 68 of Between Dusk and Dawn

Chapter Twenty-Eight

She got my full attention.

I was so proud.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The next morning, I woke up in Walsh’s bed again. It was on the verge of the afternoon, if the way the sun filtered into the room was anything to go by. This bed was significantly more comfortable than the one in my apartment. Plus, I felt safer here, somehow more connected to him, especially after the string of texts I didn’t respond to last night.

I was trying to be a better person here, but I also wanted him to stew a little in his tantrum. I laughed, grabbing one of his T-shirts from his drawer, not bothering with any underwear since they were all in the barn.

There was an extra pep in my step. Determined to make the most of my time, I considered doing something for school or asking the driver to take me somewhere. A part of me hoped Walsh would be home soon, finishing his business and returning. Surely, he couldn't hide out forever and keep me hidden away...right?

No. I shook my head. He wouldn’t do that.

I went downstairs, where Ms. Luchesse was feeding Enzo a heaping plate of steak and eggs.

"You slept in?" I asked, looking at his plate, knowing it was far too late for breakfast.

He shrugged. "You did, too."

I looked away from him, not wanting the blush to creep to my face as I pulled out a mug to grab myself a cup of coffee. I was doing fine until he spoke again.

"Must have had a long night. Any idea why Walsh called me in his very raspy tone telling me that he’d chop the eyeballs out of any guard who dared walk by his bedroom window?"

I snapped my head around so fast I swear I could have broken it. That’s when my entire face flushed. The heat emanated from my cheeks, and Enzo only laughed.

"I should throw this coffee on you." I gestured to the hot coffee I was pouring into my mug.

His lips were still twisted into a slight smile. "You two are very alike, because that was a very Walsh thing to say."

"You guys must be close if you get away with all this shit talking," I said, sliding out the chair next to him at the kitchen island.

"Girl," Ms. Luchesse clucked, bringing over a coaster for my mug. At first I expected a reprimand for not using it, then her tone shifted. "You might wanna check the barn."

Confused, I cocked my head before she silently gestured toward the back door leading to the barn. "My apartment?" My heart started to race. What if Walsh was there? Panic set in as I mentally ran through all the reasons I was unprepared: unkempt hair, no spare clothes, and a desperate need to brush my teeth.

"Grab your phone. You'll want a picture of this," Enzo chimed in, both of them wearing large smiles.

"You two look like a gaggle of idiots smiling like that," I joked, but beneath my nonchalance, I mirrored their giddy excitement. I pulled out my phone as I jumped off the seat and sprinted out the back door toward the barn. Inhaling deeply, anticipating Walsh on the other side of the door, I ran my fingersthrough my hair. The air smelled different today, but I couldn't pinpoint why.

Slowly, I slid open the door to the red barn, looking up toward the stairs where my apartment was. However, my attention diverted when I realized something was crunching in one of the stalls underneath.

"What the fuck?" I exclaimed, walking toward the back of the barn where the empty stalls were. The darkness prevailed, with sunlight piercing through the wooden slats.

A loud neigh echoed, and I stumbled back, landing on the cement. A horse?

"What the—" When I stood, I found myself face-to-face with a horse.

Glancing down at my buzzing phone, I stepped closer to the unexpected animal, but my phone kept going off, so I whipped it out, remembering what Enzo and Ms. Luchese said.

Unknown Number:

In case you feel like riding something again….

I paused. Then a burst of laughter exploded through me. It was so loud that it scared the poor creature in front of me, as it reared backward.

"Oh my God. I am sorry, sweet boy." I reached my hand out to the animal. He bought me a fucking horse. I shook my head. The smile was so wide on my mouth it felt impossible for anything to ruin my day today.

---