Page 69 of Savannah Royals
I fight to keep my expression neutral. “You don’t really know them, Matthew. No one does. I’m sure they have their reasons.”
“It’s hard to think of reasons for why seven people are dead, Kat. And countless others too. I don’t have any reasons to offer family members when I can’t save their loved one. It’s just…it’s hard, you know? It’shard all around.”
“I can’t even imagine,” I tell him. “I can’t imagine doing what you do.” Because I can’t.
We’re silent for a moment before I offer one more piece of wisdom. One more disguised piece of my puzzle.
“They’re from the Catacombs, Matthew. Like me. It’s different there. You can’t imagine the choices you have to make every day, just to survive.”
We stroll onward without another word, my mind soothed only by the press of the dagger-tip, soft as a lover’s kiss, into my skin with every step.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
TheweekbeforeChristmas,the Academy hosts a holiday party in the upstairs billiard room. Matthew shows up early for the event, and we stake out the corner table where we played pool so many months ago. We’re racking up balls for our first game when he turns to me.
“I have a question for you.”
“Oh no.” I stand upright. “I’m not playing that game again. We’re shooting pool for bragging rights, not deep dark secrets.”
“It’s not about a deep dark secret,” he replies, amused. “It’s about New Year’s Eve. There’s an annual party at the Jekyll Island Club, one of the biggest of the year. My family always attends.”
“Oh.” I lean on the table and wait.
“I’m allowed to bring a date.”
“Huh.” I go back to racking up the balls, playing nonchalant. “That’s nice.”
“It is. It would be even nicer if you go with me. You can stay overnight at our cottage after the party.”
I freeze. “Spend New Year’s with you?” I’ve never rung in the New Year with anyone but the Royals.
WithPaul.
“Yes.” Matthew’s gaze is earnest but piercing. “I already spoke with my parents about it.”
I laugh. “Oh, did you now?”
“Yes. It will be an overnight together, but so long as I’m on my gentlemanly best behavior, they agreed to let you come.”
“I’m not sure I’m interested then,” I tease.
He smiles. “They won’t be around the whole time, Kat. It’s New Year’s, the club’s biggest party of the season. Plenty of distraction afoot.” He steps closer and slowly slides his hands over my hips. “So what do you reckon?”
This is big. New Year’s together. With Matthew’s family. Overnight.
Paul will kill me.
But a New Year’s Eve party on Jekyll Island…I would die to be there. To be there as an invited guest, not as a thief slinking in the shadows. Always on the outside looking in.
And New Year’s with Matthew? My traitorous heart skips a beat.
“Okay,” I hear myself say.
“Yeah?” His grin stabs with its sincerity.
“Yes, I would love to go with you.”
Wider still, that smile. Bright enough to eclipse any doubt. “Great! We’ll have a guest room aired out for you.”
