Page 95 of Forget Me Not

“Exactly. It’s too much of a coincidence that you’d both arrive within such a short time frame.”

“But if Ian did send her here, then why haven’t they made a move?”

“All I can assume is he’s biding his time for some reason. Scoping things out. Deciding what he’s going to do with you. There’s no saying what that man is up to.”

Suddenly, I feel very seen in such a crowded space. Like eyes are on me, watching my every move. A shiver runs down my spine and I hug myself. “I’m scared.”

I’ve never admitted that out loud before, but the things he told me about Ian threaten to let the bile loose that’s sitting in my throat.

The legs on Alaric's chair scrape against the hardwood floor and in one breath he’s at my side. “Don’t be scared, baby. I’ve got a plan.” He bends down and kisses my cheek as he whispers, “Early tomorrow morning, I’m taking you away from here. We’re going somewhere no one will ever find us. It’s only temporary until Ian is captured, and if you want to return to Lockhaven, we can come back. No matter where you want to go when this is over, I’ll be right there with you.” He kisses my cheek again and hugs my shoulders, making me feel safe, even if it’s just for a moment.

I gulp, feeling an array of emotions rise inside me. I don’t want to leave this town I call home, but I can’t stay when the threat is so strong. Like Alaric said, it’s only temporary.

Alaric’s hand threads into mine and lifts until I’m on my feet. “Until then,” he continues in a low voice, “we have to act normal. Like we don’t have a care in the world.”

With his other hand on my lower back, he leads me to the dance floor where couples are moving slowly to “Wish You the Best” by Lewis Capaldi. “Dance with me.” He spins me around then pulls my chest flush to his.

I laugh, pushing down the thoughts that are trying to consume me. “Seems like you haven’t given me much of a choice.”

Our hands interlock at my shoulder and I lean into him, resting my head on his chest as we sway to the song. His tight hold on me has all my worries dissipating, as if they don't exist, and it's just him and me in this room.

I never wanted to fall in love. I’m not even sure I’d know what it feels like if I did. But if I had to compare it to anything I’ve felt before, I think this would be it.

I’ve lost so much in my short years of life, but I’m beginning to believe that sometimes we have to lose in order to gain.

I place my hand on Alaric’s chest, feeling thethump-thumpof his heart, and I’m convinced it truly is beating just for me. We were destined to find one another. Only, he came into my life when I was much too young and it wasn’t our time. Fate did what it always does and it brought us together when the timing was right.

The song ends and I take a small step back, grinning up at Alaric. “Thank you,” I tell him.

“For what?” He cranes his neck in confusion because, to him, this was just a dance. But to me, it was so much more.

“My first dance.” At least one that wasn’t in a crowded club where I was only trying to con people for money. My first slow dance, with a man who truly cares about me. Lovesme.

He leans forward and presses his lips to my forehead, holding them in place. “The first of many.”

We walk off the dance floor, hand in hand, and I take a seat at our table while Alaric goes and gets us another drink. Every step he takes has him shooting his eyes over his shoulder to make sure I’m safe, and each time I smile and wave awkwardly. When he reaches the bar, he presses one elbow to it and turns to his side, watching me the entire time.

All of a sudden, the lights begin flickering and the music skips a few beats. I look around the room, noticing the constant flicker, much like everyone else.

“Must be the snowstorm,” I hear someone say. “It’s really coming down out there.”

The next thing we know, we’re all standing in pitch-blackness.

“Stay calm, everyone,” Taryn shouts. “It’s the weather and I’m sure the power will be back on soon. I’m going to the back room to look for some lanterns.”

I’m about to stand up when a cold damp cloth presses against my face, covering my mouth and nose. My head lolls to the side like a heavy bowling ball, and I try to blink through the fog, but it only thickens.

Then pitch-black gets a whole lot darker.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

ALARIC

“Rhea,”I scream over the chatter and noise as I push my way through the crowd. I can’t see anything, but it’s a straight line from where I was standing to her.

Just a few more steps. “Rhea,” I shout again, waiting to hear her call back, but I can’t hear a damn thing over these fucking drunk assholes. “I’m coming, baby.”

It's so dark and I can't see a damn thing. I reach the table, desperately reaching my hand out, expecting to grab her, but she's not there. I swing my arm, knocking our dirty glasses to the floor. They hit with a thud, likely shattering at my feet. Panic rises inside me when I don't feel her or hear her voice. “Dammit, Rhea! Answer me!”

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