Page 108 of Ashes of Saints

“I said, who are you?” I demand.

“Please step back,” she says, flustered but not scared.

She should be.

I do as she says, otherwise I’ll be arrested, but I take in the details of this woman so I can remember should I need. She looks reasonably wealthy—nowhere near my wealth—and...

A light bulb in my head goes off. “You were at the funeral.”

“Yes, I was a friend of Aurora’s mother.”

“Why are you here?”

“I will let her tell you. If she wants. You should go to her.” Her smile is sad. “Now, if you will excuse me.”

I stand on the spot while she steps around me and walks through the lobby.

You should go to her.

I’ll find her again if necessary. The cameras in the building have captured her image.

I’ve kept my hand in the elevator the entire time, so I step in and punch the close door button, eager to get to Aurora.

The time for secrets and lies is over.

When the doors open, the entrance is empty, as I expected. I never buzzed, so she doesn’t know I’m here.

“Aurora,” I say as softly as I can in my deep voice.

When there’s no reply, I take a few more steps and, turning the corner, I find her sitting on the sofa with her back to me, staring out the tall windows.

Fuck.

“Sweetheart.” I walk with more purpose around the sofa.

Still, she doesn’t acknowledge me.

Fuck, is she in shock?

Crouching before her, I place a hand on her knee. Slowly, her gaze slides to me. I’m almost knocked backward when those green globes full of fear and heartache lock with mine.

I reach and cup her face.

“Aurora, I think you’re in shock.” My thumb rubs over her soft skin. “Can you talk?”

A tear spills over the other cheekbone.

Shit.

“I’m here,” I say, moving to sit on the sofa and pulling her into my arms. Like a rag doll, she lets me and her hand flops onto my chest. “I’m here.”

Running a hand over her hair, I wonder what the fuck that woman said to her. I contain as much fury as I can while trying to soothe her.

Then, she takes me by surprise.

“I was taken.” Aurora finally says.

My eyes press closed as the pain flares again.

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