Page 54 of Pretty When She Breaks
Right. Sorry, but a cat with anxiety was theleastof my problems right now.
Laurel straightened her back and folded her arms on her lap as I walked over to the other couch. Her sweet, floral scent was stronger here, and it drew in my mind. The shame that always ate at me was easier to ignore, and the usual ever-present buzz in my veins was cooling.
She stiffened as I sat down and putmy feet up. Good. “Get me breakfast. And coffee. Then come stand here,” I ordered, waving in front of me.
I heard her mutter furiously to herself as she got up and went to the counter. A smile crept onto my face as I heard her slamming things closed in the kitchen much harder than she needed to. Amusement hadn’t come easily for such a long time, yet I found myself delighted at her little tantrum.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I felt her approach me. She leaned over me to set down a black coffee and a bagel, and I flinched as her arm brushed mine. Her skin was just as soft and warm as it had been last night.
She sucked in a breath as I pulled away from her. Her scent had taken on a fragile, pained note.
I ignored her and took my time enjoying my breakfast and coffee. She stood in front of me, as I had ordered, getting more and more restless but unable to leave.
“I’d like to go get ready for the day,” she said finally.
“Huh,” I said, not looking at her. The smile tugged on my face again as she gave a huff, almost too quiet to hear.
“I might be late if I don’t start soon.”
I looked up this time to find she’d folded her arms over her chest. “That must really suck for you,” I replied, raising my brows.
Finch appeared from the bedroom, dressed and ready for the day. He grabbed himself a coffee and sat in front of us, giving Laurel a strange look.
“Can I move?” she asked.
“Why don’t you sit down,” said Finch, waving at the seat beside me. “We’ve got some things to discuss.”
Apparently, that was enough to release her, and she sat down next to me.
“Right.” Finch was either dense or deliberately ignoring herdeath glares. “So, today, you’re going to help us map out the interior of the building, particularly the cages. Everything you know about security. We’re going to make a plan to get Ocean out.”
He paused, looking at both of us before addressing Laurel.
“I also need you to get me a place here. With full VIP privileges. Preferably one of these villas close by. I need to be able to walk around here without having to dodge cameras all the time.”
“You’re leaving?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said, sounding tired. “One of us still needs to be out there.”
But that meant he’d be leaving me here, in this house.
Of course.
Finch had always seen what Ocean had missed. The monster in the mirror. He could barely stand me, and I didn’t blame him for wanting to get away.
“I can’t do that,” Laurel cut in. “If I tried to request a villa for you, my father would be breathing down our necks in seconds. You’ll have to try and book one the normal way.”
“There’s no one you can ask who can call in a favour?” Finch asked.
She made a face like she was sucking on a lemon and didn’t reply.
“Answer me. Do you know someone who could make that request?”
“Yes,” she muttered furiously. “But I can’t ask—” She cut herself off with a gasp, her face going red. “I can’t—” She tried again but winced, unable to finish. A muscle in her jaw twitched, and her brow furrowed. “I would prefer to find a different way,” she gritted out finally.
“Is this the easiest way?” I asked, enjoying how mad she was getting. It was simpler than ruminating on Finch leaving me.
“Yes.”
