Page 211 of Midnights
Crickets.
“Okay, tough crowd. I get it. But I’m fine.” I force a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes, as I look around the table, trying to gauge their reactions.
Kane’s face is a fortress of unreadable intensity, with his tight jaw like he’s trying not to fly off the handle.
Meanwhile, Cam looks like he’s only half-listening. His focus bounces between me and whatever he’s digging up on his laptop. He looks up, and a small grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Never trust a fine.”
I roll my eyes but can’t stop the small smile that sneaks through. Rachel notices, and I catch her smirking behind her coffee.
“Seriously, though,” I say, straightening in my seat, trying to shake off the tension. “I just want to figure this out, and I don’t need everyone looking at me like I'm about to shatter into a million pieces. I’m not some fragile flower, okay?”
Cam chuckles, leaning back in his chair with that insufferable, easy confidence of his. “Fair enough,” he says, his grin softening just enough tobe disarming. “But don’t expect us to just sit back and watch you stumble through this.”
Before I can say anything, Kane finally speaks up. “If you want us to help, we need the truth.All of it.No moreI’m finewhen you’re clearly not.”
The edge in his tone hits and I'm instantly ready to argue back. I breathe through it, because screaming in his face isn't exactly helpful right now.
There's so much I haven't told anyone. The near-constant chaos, the bruises, and the nights I still wake up choking on shadows—are secrets I'd rather not share.
I look at Rachel, but even she doesn't know everything. No one does. And right now, the last person I want prying is Kane.
“All right,” my voice is clipped. “I’ll tell you what I can.”
Kane doesn’t react, but his gaze stays locked on me. He’s reading me, dissecting my words before I’ve even said them and it pisses me off. But, I ignore it and continue.
“When my grandfather passed, he left me a box of things he wanted me to have. Things I think he wanted me to figure out.” I swallow, pushing through the sudden knot in my throat. “That’s why I came here. I need answers about my family, and my past. Who my parents really were.”
I hesitate, forcing my voice to stay even, while I take my damp hoodie off. “We were supposed to come here together, but he passed before we could.”
The words sit heavy in the air. I don’t look at Kane, but I can feel his stare, it's a weight all on its own.
“This trip isn’t just a vacation,” I continue, my tone turning dry. “Though I’m sure that’s what your research told you.”
Kane doesn’t flinch at the dig, but I can see him clench his jaw tighter.Good. Let him stew in it.
“I’ve just been trying to piece everything together, but the more I dig, the more questions I uncover. And honestly at this point it’s just getting annoying as hell.”
A muscle in Kane’s jaw ticks, but he stays silent.
Cam props his feet up on the coffee table, entirely too at ease. “Why do I feel like there’s more?”
I roll my eyes but keep going. “I did run into someone,” I admit, choosing my words carefully. “He seemed to know more about me than I knew abouthim.” My voice tightens, and a thread of unease creeps in. “Only, nothing he said made any sense.”
I rub my arm absently, grazing over the spot where the knife cut me, wincing slightly. The memory is too vivid, like it’s still imprinted under my skin.
“As for what I’m looking for…” my words falter. “I just want answers.”
I meet their eyes briefly, then look away, uneasy under their attention. Kane’s gaze is unreadable, but it lingers too long, and I hate that it makes my skin prickle.
Cam, for once, looks like he’s actually paying attention. His usual laid-back energy is replaced with something razor-sharp. “Can we maybe start with what thissomeonetold you?”
I shake my head as frustration bubbles to the surface. “It was justodd.He just said I was exactly who he was looking for. Honestly, he was probably having a little too much fun at the dance.” I wave a hand dismissively.
I had something weird happen at the dance and walking home, so it’s not technically a lie. And yes, I’m going to justify that.
Rachel watches me closely. “You okay?”
I nod, praying she doesn't pry.
