Page 104 of Live To Tell

Ah. That. The story he shared at the pub the other night, about Violet’s decision not to stay with him overnight. I joked she’d probably have told him to sleep on the floor anyway, but he ignored me. Rowan always rambles after a few beers and at least his griping distracted me from my hellish day. In the end, I shut him up by reminding him at least he got close enough to Violet to feel rejected.

But I understand. Violet never even discussed Holly’s idea with him and made presumptions about his thoughts and feelings—the crux of their issues.

I’m distracted by Holly across the cafeteria. Or rather distracted by how she’s walking purposefully over, head high. Without looking at me, she pivots to face Rowan. “Where’s Violet?”

Rowan’s mouth tightens at her accusatory tone. Holly doesn’t not like Rowan, but as with her and Violet, Holly and Rowan are opposites. His reputation as the odd witch who few people speak to because he’s dodgy doesn’t help. And I bet Marci told her some stories.

“You’re looking for Violet? She’s in the library, I expect,” he replies.

“I heard that you and Violet argued and then someone saw you in a weird mood walking around in the rain,” she continues.

“According to you, I’m always in a weird mood,” he replies. “Do you honestly think I could do anything to Violet? We’re bonded witches. Kinda goes against that to hurt her.”

“Well, you upset Violet, because she never came back to the room last night.” She looks between me and Rowan. “Or is she in Scotland? Has something happened?”

“No. She was with me.” Rowan leans back against the wooden seat and crosses his arms. “All night.”

Holly stares in a way I can only describe as gob-smacked, something I share right now. “Where?” she whispers.

“In my room. Obviously.”

His challenging look remains and if I was eating right now, I’d choke.

Holly studies him closely. “In your room?”

“Yes.”

“All night?”

“All night.”

Her eyes grow to the size of saucers.

Whoa. “In your bed?” I ask and he shoots me a look. “Sorry, but you have whined at me about this a few times.”

“I’m not discussing last night. I’d rather Violet didn’t break my face,” he says.

“Well, I hope you’re not discussing it with Leif.”

“Again, my face looks better without a broken nose, Holly.” Rowan drags a hand through his hair. “Like I said, check the library.”

Holly hesitates, hovering around, as if she can’t leave us in case Rowan does or says something wrong.

“Interesting,” she says stiffly when she finally speaks.

Then walks away.

I arch a brow at Rowan. “’Resolved some issues’?”

Rowan sighs. “I’m still not discussing last night.”

“Yeah, but you’re not telling me I’ve presumed wrong.” I chuckle and shove him in the shoulder. “As if I’m going to ask sordid questions. Just hope you had a good night.”

“I love her, Leif,” he says earnestly. “You know that.”

Yes. But… How do I broach this? “And the bond… nothing weird happened? I’m only asking because the Blackwood influence on you worries me.”

Rowan rubs two fingers across his lips and doesn’t reply for a moment. “How many times? I’m choosing not to say anything and being respectful to Violet.”

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