Page 43 of Beautifully Ruined
“The last page is New Jersey and Connecticut. And you’re welcome to find one on your own, too.”
“Thank you, Professor Fisher.”
She sits back, removes her glasses, and looks at me. “I don’t think I need to remind you that your political leanings don’t matter right now. It’s always good to find a candidate whose ideals line up with your own, but that’s for when you start making a name.”
“Understood.”
“I’m not saying align yourself with the next Mussolini, just temper your beliefs with what the job really is.”
“Thanks, Professor. Really.” I hold out my hand.
She shakes it. “Good luck, Violet. I think you’re going to do great things one day.”
I leave her office, smiling. This time, I don’t even mind that whoever it is Cade had follow me is still here, in a hood, like a student on his way to class.
The guy follows, and there’s a beat of doubt.
I know he got someone because when he took me to the train and I turned to wave as I got on, I saw his gaze flicker to a guy with a hood over his head, hands in pocket, who got on when I did.
I’m sure he got off at my spot, but it’s hard to tell in a sea of generic black hoodies.
So, this is him.
Right?
I can’t help but think of how last time I thought it was The Ghost, it turned out to be Isaac?—
Who is now dead.
Breath claws at my throat.
My phone buzzes.
Shaking, I pull it from my pocket.
Cade:Adrian texted. He’s keeping an eye on you for me. Black hoodie. Right behind you.
And though Iknow Cade can’t see me real time, at least I think he can’t, I turn and sure enough, the guy’s still there. He gives me a thumbs up as he starts to type on his phone.
Cade:He says he thumbs upped you.
I scowl,even more nervous, a little tingly, like the start of being tuned on.
Me:Are you watching me?
But it isn’tCade who responds, and the fact it’s so quick, it turns me all the way on.
Ghost:Do you want me to?
I let outa shaky breath as heat coils through my veins.
Thing is, I hear the change in pitch.
It’s impossibly hot, wildly confusing, and makes perfect sense.
I can taste him.
Cade is the darkness of The Ghost. HeisThe Ghost. But when he plays…oh, it’s so delicious.
