Page 74 of Live To Tell

“I shall ask him once we’ve finished this morning’s discussions. I hope you’ve found something to share because the diary has yielded nothing thus far.”

“Ah yes. That.” I smile and flip open the laptop. Violet pulls out her phone. “Making notes?”

Violet shakes her head. “I’m looking for somewhere to walk. Are there popular places that others choose to wander aimlessly there and back again?”

Chapter 26

VIOLET

In the early days, I’d sit in the library with these three guys solely focused on any information we’d gleaned and how together we could solve the murders. I’d never considered that my choice in doing so unwittingly brought me closer to them. The only way I could’ve avoided the emotional connection and their physical appeal was to do what I originally intended—leave Thornwood as soon as possible.

But I couldn’t. Suddenly other people’s lives were real—and linked to mine. A bond that I denied was placed on top of a growing desire to be around Rowan, I had a constant and confusing physical response to Grayson, and a draw to Leif that kept him on my mind every day he wasn’t here. Even as realization dawned, I still planned my escape, not ready to face that change in me.

Now, as Rowan’s slender fingers slide over the laptop mouse pad, locating the footage, I stare at his profile and the fluttering begins in my chest again. Leif sits on the edge of the table, feet on the chair beside me as he leans across to watch Rowan. Although we’re not touching, Leif’s movement scatters his scent, reminding me of the time we did touch and kiss.

And Grayson. He arrives as Rowan begins talking. I wasn’t sure Grayson would join us today—his decision’s usually based on what mood he’s in. This morning, the mood radiating from him is a world away from that of the bloodied hemia I kissed. He’s calmer, those captivating eyes immediately on me when he arrives, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. And although his blood scent reaches me before he does, when Grayson approaches, this time I’ve no desire for that part of him.

Grayson looks down at me for a second before stroking an escaped strand of hair from my face, fingers lingering. My heart jumps out of rhythm, convinced he’s about to kiss me, but his smile solidifies, and he stands behind so he can watch Rowan too. Hairs lift on my neck at his proximity.

Good grief. Was our kiss a bad idea?

Leif arches a brow at me but says nothing.

“Glad to see you’re intact after last night, Grayson,” says Rowan casually, focus remaining on his laptop.

“I merely kissed him and did not aim for any vein or artery,” I retort.

Rowan looks up, amusement glinting in his eyes. “Intact after encountering his uncle, Violet. But thanks for the update.”

“Oh.”

Rowan smirks, and Leif laughs too.

“Josef knows better than to seriously harm Grayson,” I reply.

“You think?” he says from behind me, sarcasm edging his tone.

“Can you take this as the sign to stop skulking alone?” asks Rowan. “Next time you see the guy, we should be with you.”

“Learned my lesson. I’m not going anywhere alone again.”

“Yes. You should’ve listened to me in the first place,” I say, turning to look at him.

“I wanted Josef to know I’m not scared of him,” he says icily.

“Bravado trumps common sense yet again.” I turn away from him. “We’re here to discuss Rowan’s findings. Rowan, tell them about your encounter with Mrs. Eldridge just now.”

“Huh,” says Grayson once Rowan’s finished. “Sus.”

“Absolutely,” I say. “I shall inform Julius about what happened.”

“Perhaps don’t,” says Leif. “Back off a little. We don’t want to upset Mrs. Eldridge—we can’t lose Rowan.”

Grayson nods. “And we should be selective about what we share if Mrs. Eldridge is his confidante.”

“Yeah, I want to know Mrs. Eldridge's deal,” says Rowan. “Why would she threaten me and tell us to back off unless she knows more?”

“Unless she’s telling the truth—the tiara pulled up stuff that’s messing with Julius's head too much and affecting their relationship?” suggests Leif.

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