Page 94 of Carnival
“Why me, Chase?” I ask, gritting my teeth. “What is it about me that makes you so desperate to have me?”
He smirks. “I could tell you, but that would ruin the surprise. Yes, I chose you for a reason. Yes, it’s a whole different one than Vivian has, but she is aware as to why I’m so into the idea of having you tied to me forever.’’
“And why is that?”
“You’ll find out in due time, sweetheart. I wouldn’t want to spoil it too much. After all, I want to see your reaction to the revelation.’’
“What about James?” I ask, deciding to steer the conversation in the direction I truly want. “Where is he?”
“Somewhere within the manor,’’ he says, and as soon as he sees excitement rush through my face, he has the fucking need toclarify. “But it’s not like you’d be able to get to him. Vivian isn’t dumb; she won’t just let you get to him so easily.’’
“But he is alive?”
Chase nods. “For now, yes. Who knows how much he’ll piss Vivian off and cause her to go nuts?”
“As opposed to the perfectly sane composure she’s been maintaining thus far?” Sarcasm appears, and I don’t hold it back. Chase laughs, removing his hand from the side of his face, leaning back into the comfortable seat, and just continuing to stare at me.
“You’re oddly calm,’’ he notes, lifting a brow. “Why?”
“What were you expecting? That I’d cry and beg to be released?”
“More or less,’’ he snorts. “You’re not exactly cut out for this lifestyle, are you? You’re too soft, too naive.’’
“I’m not naive.’’
He rolls his eyes. “You knew that Vivian would snatch you at the first opportunity, and she’s been trying for what, two years? Yet you meet me, and the rest of the group and invite us into your home with ease. That’s called being naive.’’
“I just trusted you.’’
“As I said, naive.’’
I flip him the bird, and Chase laughs.
The sound reverberates through the living room, and I find myself oddly at ease. Now that I know that James is at least alive, it feels as though I can breathe again. It doesn’t matter how long it takes me — I will find him. I have to. When Wyatt took me, he came straight away. I’ll return the favor.
How? I don’t know yet.
But I’ll figure it out. I’ll take the opportunity and find out where every single camera is located, and my first step is trying to figure out the layout of the manor. It’s massive; it puts Hudson and Noelle’s manor to shame. It’s at least twice the size, with a lot more hallways that are probably leading to some hidden spots.
“It’s useless, you know.’’ Chase chirps, the thoughts immediately vanishing from my head.
“What is?”
“Trying to find a way out,’’ he grins. “Don’t even try to deny it. I’ve seen the look on your face. You always look like that when you’re contemplating something. And let me be frank, this place is more guarded than Fort Knox. If, perchance, you do manage to leave the manor, the chances of you leaving the courtyard are slim, almost nonexistent.’’
My brows narrow. “And you’re offering this piece of advice, why?”
“Vivian might snap and kill you for disobedience. I’m just trying to prevent that.’’
“Don’t act like you care. I’m not that stupid.’’
“You’re right,’’ he admits, and it surprises me. “I don’t give a shit about you, Rosalie. But if someone kills you, it will be me. And you’ll know exactly why I’ll be doing it.’’
Before I can ask any more questions, the front door of the manor opens, and I hear footsteps approaching the living room. Chase straightens up, going rigid. I turn my attention to the newcomer and gasp immediately.
Vivian’s face is in bandages, clearly swollen, and I’m pretty sure she’s missing a tooth or two. The man who always seems tobe following her around is close behind her, looking very angry. Neither of them speaks, and my grandmother is glaring at me.
“Rosalie,’’ her voice is stern, and I flinch. “Go and change out of those wet clothes. You’ll get sick. Maverick will show you to your new bedroom.’’
