Page 123 of The Darkest Chase

His footsteps draw closer.

“Please,” he says urgently. “If you need medical assistance—”

I cut him off, holding up a hand as I gasp.

I take several breaths, slow and measured, before I speak again.

“No, I’m… I’m f-fine.”

“Are you?” When my eyes can focus and I look up, he’s bent over me—and shocker of shockers, the concern in his eyes seems genuine.

“Forgive me. I didn’t dare mean to trigger your condition. I never meant to cross that line.”

That line?

That flipping line?

I’m one second away from gouging out his eyes after all, asthma or not.

There’s no mistaking what just happened.

He meant to cross every line.

I guess he just thought I’d jump at the chance to ride him like every poor girl who’s hooked up with him for his drugs or for his money or both. Ugh.

The fact that I’m desperate enough to work for a scumbag like him probably made him think I’d do anything to close the deal.

This prick.

This slimy, disgusting prick, and I’m ready to throw everything away—the contract, the money, hope for Grandpa—until we’re both interrupted by someone’s throat clearing.

Xavier’s face changes in the strangest way.

I almost think it’s a look of dread.

Something I understand as Xavier straightens, turns, and I look past him.

Eustace Jacobin stands beneath the open arched door, half in the shadows, as if this is her domain and we’re the ones intruding.

Her chin is lifted proudly. Her black eyes are cold and fixed on Xavier with an impatient look, her pale hands clasped in front of a gown as black as a funeral.

Her eyes flick to me, skewering and angry.

Oh God, it’s a miracle I don’t need another hit from my inhaler.

She’s like a gorgon. Her eyes turn my heart to stone in under a second.

I feel cursed.

Of course, her gaze lingers a little too long. A little too deliberately. Then it shifts back to Xavier, watching him coolly.

I can’t read what passes between them.

But Xavier seems to forget I exist.

That should make me happy, but it doesn’t.

He smooths down his suit jacket and drags a hand through his icy-blond hair before stepping closer to Eustace. It’s like she summons him without a single word.

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