Page 75 of Vengeful Union

“Too young to be left to be raised by just Niall.”

My heart breaks for him. “Did you know her?”

Raquel shrugs. “Not really. She kept to herself. I was nineteen when I started working for Niall. I guess I was learning the ropes instead of paying attention, because when she left I was shocked. One day she was here, the next all her things were gone. Niall kind of went off the rails after that.”

We sit in a comfortable quiet for a few moments, just sitting in the water.

I can’t imagine what it was like for Rory and Bree.

“You haven’t tried to escape recently.”

I blink, looking over at Raquel. “Didn’t think I’d get very far.”

I don’t tell her that I don’t want to escape, that in fact, I don’t want this thing with Rory to be over, but I’m thinking it.

“You wouldn’t.”

“Security is pretty tight around here.”

Raquel gives me a smile. “Thanks. I like to keep it that way.”

“Have you ever... had to hurt someone?” I think about Rory and what he did for me.

Raquel shakes her head quickly. “Not seriously. Just a couple of broken noses.”

I gape at her. “You’ve broken someone’s nose?”

“Had to defend myself.” She huffs, and I hold up my hands.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.”

“No offense taken.” She looks over at me curiously. “You know, I see the way Rory looks at you.”

My heart skips a beat. “How does he look at me?”

“Like you’re someone important. Like he’d be lost if you weren’t here.”

“You think so?” My throat tightens.

Is it possible he feels the same way about me as I’m starting to feel about him?

“He’s different now. Like I said, he used to be so sweet, but he holds that part of himself back now. Tries to hide it. With you, it still shines through.”

I swallow hard and look down at my feet shimmering under the water in the sun’s rays.

“What are you two doing out here?”

Rory’s voice startles me, and I turn my head to look at him, a bit worried he’ll be angry. Instead, he’s smiling softly.

“Swimming.” Raquel grins and dives into the water to do a lap.

I twist on the steps so that I can face Rory.

“I had to get out of that room for a little while.”

He nods. “That’s understandable.”

I frown up at him. “Where have you been? You were gone when I woke up.”

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