Page 53 of Envy

I find a spot near a tree by the church.

It’s not really a church, but everyone calls it that—even though more people die inside than pray.

This spot is usually deserted. Amy’s schedule doesn’t align with mine on Tuesdays, so I eat alone.

“Keeping your phone off isn’t smart.”

Garret’s voice slices through the breeze, making me jump. My bag of chips nearly spills onto the ground.

Fear curls in my stomach.

“Are you tracking me?” I ask, already knowing the answer. John did it. Why wouldn’t Garret?

“Something like that.” His tone is sharp, edged with restrained anger.

I sigh. “Can I finish my lunch before you do whatever it is you plan on doing?”

He steps in front of me, forcing me to crane my neck to meet his gaze. He’s wearing a fitted sweater, black jeans, and dark sunglasses, but I can still feel his eyes burning into my skin, like the sun breaking through a cloudy sky.

“And what do you think I plan to do?”

“Kill me.” I gesture toward the cemetery. “I can even show you the spot I picked out. It’s far enough that no one will notice—or remember me.”

He stiffens.

Despite the cool breeze, it feels like all the air has been sucked from the world.

The silence stretches between us, heavy, suffocating. The veins in his forearms flex as he clenches his fists.

Then, he kneels in front of me and pushes his sunglasses onto the top of his head.

His black eyes bore into mine, so intense it feels like lightning is about to strike.

“I’m not going to kill you.”

“You’re going against the Order?” My voice is flat, disbelieving.

“Let me worry about that.”

“Then what is it you want?”

His answer is immediate.

“You in my house when I expect you to be. In my bed when it’s time to sleep.”

I swallow hard.

“I’m not fond of sleeping in your bed. It’s a bit too crowded.”

His jaw tightens, but I keep going.

“Besides, I gave you the night off from babysitting me. I thought you’d be grateful to spend time with Cassie.”

Something flashes in his expression, but I don’t stop.

“I was at Babylon last night. Don’t worry, Luke cleared it up for me—and I saw for myself when you both arrived.”

His face is unreadable, but his body is taut, coiled.

---