Page 63 of Lovers Fate

“Because I do.”

I give him a surprised, ‘What the fuck?’ look.

“Not in a weird way. I’m just…I don’t know. Protective?”

I felt the same way, but I don’t want to admit that to him because it doesn’t make sense. None of it does.

“Where is home?”

He turns onto a dirt road that leads deeper into the woods and then up to a sprawling black iron electronic gate that opens when it senses his truck.

“Here,” he says, pulling up to a driveway that leads to a modern two-story house practically made of glass windows.

Outdoor light sconces illuminate the gray concrete walls and light up the green shrub shedding its leaves.

“This is home,” he says proudly.

It’s impressive. As soon as he steps out, the in-ground lights turn on with every step.

“I can’t stay,” I tell him, wishing I could.

He shuts the door, leaving me with no choice but to get out and follow him inside through the oversized wood-paneled door opening to a hallway with black slate tiles and white walls.

The entire house boasts an open concept design. I could see the marble from the center island in the kitchen, the living room, and the wooden staircase made from the same wood paneling as the rest of the house. Modern appliances dress the kitchen fit for a chef.

I scan the rest of the house and the stairway to see if anyone else is home, but I don’t see any sign that anyone else lives here. There are no picture frames. The walls are bare except for three paintings of an old carnival.

“Is anyone home?”

“No,” he says, locking the front door behind me. “It’s why I brought you here. We have a guest room, and it’s mostly empty this time of year when the rest of the crew is out on the road. It’s why I offered for you to stay here back at the diner. It’s not like anyone is using the space.

“But I thought Draco said…”

“He made a mistake,” he interrupts. “He didn’t mean what he said.”

“So you brought me here to convince me to stay? Aren’t you afraid of me?”

He snorts. “I should be asking you that question. When you realized I wasn’t taking you to the motel… you should have seen your face.”

I was hoping he wouldn’t notice.

My phone buzzes, and I see that it’s Rachel.”

Rachel: Where are you?

“Shit.”

“What is it?” he says, concern laced in his voice.

I totally forgot I have work.

“It’s work.” I grimace. I’ve never missed a night since I started.

“Take the day off.”

I arch a brow. “Do you take a day off?”

“It’s not an option for me. I have school and work at the carnival.”

---