Page 185 of The Forbidden Note

His voice is low, controlled, and commanding. “I know all the reasons we can’t do this, but I’m drawn to you and you’re drawn to me. No one can deny that. Not even you.”

My nostrils flare. “I’m the adult.”

“And I’m not a child.”

“I’m so close to getting to the truth. I can’t afford to make any mistakes.”

“You think I’m your weakness, but you’re wrong, Grey. Let me be your sword. Your poison. Let me be your revenge. Point me in a direction and I’ll destroy whoever you tell me to. Everything you want, everything you don’t know you want yet, I’ll make it happen for you.”

My breath hitches.

“But I won’t let you escape me.”

“Zane…”

He tips my chin up and leans down to draw our lips close together. The scent of him, his hot skin, his rough hands weave a spell on me.

“Run all you want, tiger, but you’re trapped.”

The sheer threat crouching in that silken caress of a voice scrambles my brain. Before I can think of a response, the door slams open.

“Zane!” A sharp voice bawls.

I whirl around, my eyes wide and my heart seizing.

It’s mom.

CHAPTERFORTY-FIVE

GREY

Every click of mom’s high heels tapping the floor feels like a dagger to the chest. Her eyes are carefully trained away from me, but I can tell it’s because she’s trying to keep her facade in place.

Yesterday, I wore a mask to the dance and it allowed me to let my true feelings surface.

For just a second, I was free.

But mom?

She wears her mask twenty-four seven to fit into the new lifestyle Jarod Cross has given her. It’s obvious, even with all the money and clothes, she’s still so confined.

“Are you okay?” Mom rushes over to Zane. “Look at your face! Who did this—”

“I’m fine.” Zane pushes himself to sit up.

I instinctually step forward to help him, but mom looks up with a sharp glance. It happens in seconds, but it’s enough to drag me to a stop.

“How did you know I was here?” Zane asks, eyes moving to me as if he can sense my discomfort.

I stare at the floor.

“The hospital called Jarod, but he’s not in the country right now, so he called me.” She frowns. “What happened last night, Zane?”

“It was a motorcycle accident.” The lie rolls off his tongue without a hitch.

“This is why I don’t trust those machines.” Her gaze sweeps to me and lingers. “When you go too fast on a road that’s too dangerous, it’s only a matter of time before you crash.”

I swallow hard. “I should head out. Teachers have clean-up duty at Redwood today. They’re probably texting and wondering where I am.”

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