“Mrs. Scarano?” A voice catches my ear, and a hand lands lightly on my elbow from behind. Heat flashes through me and my heart lurches. I may be surrounded by my two aligned families, but that doesn’t calm the flutter of my heart to come face to face with the tall, broad, dark-haired guard that had prevented me from leaving the safe house before Killian’s accident.
“Yes?” I ask slowly, licking my lips and straightening my back to try and appear soberer.
“I’m looking for your husband.”
“Why?”
“I have a message to deliver, but I’m also on duty with Archer and about to leave. Have you seen him?” The man lifts his hand, a plain white envelope clasped between his fingers.
“He’s busy with… something,” I wave a hand but even as the words leave my lips, warmth curls in my chest.
I’d actually really like to see him right now.
“I can take it to him,” I decide and hold out my hand. The guard slips the envelope onto my palm with a relieved smile.
“Thank you,” he nods.
“Who shall I say it’s from?” I ask, turning the envelope over in my hands as the guard turns away.
“Someone called Blair,” he calls back to me as he melts back into the crowd.
My world screeches to a halt.
Bodies move around me, drunk, happy people dancing and laughing while I become rooted to the spot as an icy chill stabs through my gut, and a tingling chill sweeps from my shoulders down my back
The fuck does she want?!
How does she always manage to pop up at theworstmoments?
They had spent time together at the club before his accident. Maybe it wasn’t innocent. He never did explain.
My heart stutters, and I stare down at the envelope.I can’t open it.It’s not for me; I can’t do that. And yet, as I stare at it, the weight begins to burn my fingertips, and an itch sweeps over my forearms. I have an uncontrollable urge to dosomething.
I slide my thumb over the flap and pull out the small sheet of note paper inside, holding my breath as I open it and read:
Killian,
I waspained to hear about your crash, and I’m relieved you are okay. You’ve been brushing me off for weeks now, but you can’t run from this any longer. We need to talk, and we need to do it now before it’s too late. I have something important to tell you, something you will come to regret not knowing.
If you will spare me some time, come and meet me so we can discuss things. I’ll wait until midnight.
Lots of love,
Blair
I read the letter repeatedly, glaring at the cursive black ink that weaves its way from the paper and deep into my thoughts. An address is scrawled at the bottom, and I glare at it until my eyes burn and the letters blur.
What the fuck could be so important that she simply won’t leave him alone? He’s mine now, doesn’t she get that?!
The letter crumples in my hand as someone bumps into my back with a loud burst of laughter. Their good-hearted, drunken apologies fall on deaf ears as their contact uproots me and I continue my path towards the bathroom.
What should I do? Do I give it to him and hope he’ll be honest with me if he goes to see her? What if he continues to brush her off? What is so important that she acts like she’sowedhis time? Is it related to whatever happened the night Sadie photographed them at the club?
Fuck,I should have asked him more about that night.
I stumble into the bathroom, and the scent of bleach and antiseptic lavender hits my nose as the harsh fluorescent lighting stings my eyes. The soft, warm buzz from the alcohol has faded. I come to a stop in front of one of the mirrors, clutching at the sides of the sink as I stare at myself. The open stalls behind me assure me that I’m alone.
“Come on, Cara,” I mutter at my reflection, scanning over my alcohol-flushed cheeks and the messy curls framing my face. “This isn’t you. We don’t play second fiddle! Killian is yours. He’s yours, and Blair is nothing. She’s nothing but a fly buzzing around trying to cause trouble because she’s a jealous old boot!”