Page 12 of Petty Deadly Gorgeous

“It seems my sweet Anna is happy with her past life.” Gran got up and tossed her tea bags away and rinsed her cup. “You’ll need to excuse us, Jon. It’s been a long, excitement filled night.”

“Of course, ladies.” He nodded and did the same with his cup. “Don’t hesitate to call me if you have questions or need anything.”

Gran patted his shoulder and almost pushed him out the door. “Let’s get ready for bed. I’m beat. We can get up early and have some fun.”

I had my plans for tonight already. I just needed a quick nap to allow everyone to fall asleep. We climbed the stairs and Gran tucked me into my cozy bed. As she bent to kiss my forehead, I not only saw but felt the deep pain she tucked away.

Don’t worry, Gran. No one will separate us.

Chapter Three

Anna

Sleep came easily after the events of the night, and I woke up before my alarm went off.

I slipped from my bed and put my jeans and hoodie on before creeping down the hall to the main stairs. These stairs didn’t creak, making my escape easier. I focused hard on my footfalls; I needed to move slow but swift. There was no need to call attention to myself.

I knew where every piece of furniture sat, which made sneaking around them in the moonlight a piece of cake. I clung to the shadows. Around the settee, between the buffet and the back of a rocker, and then a left to make my way into the kitchen.

The table sat slightly off to the right, and I reached my hands out to feel the backs of the chairs and then slipped between the backside of the table and the counter. Five steps to the door and I turned the handle slowly, pulling the door open in itty bitty motions to avoid it squeaking.

I blew out a hard breath and opened the screen door, pulling the heavy wood door closed behind me. The sweet scent of mint floated to me and I paused.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Jon’s voice came from the darkness.

“I need to take a walk.” I looked around me. “Where are you?”

The air shimmered, and he stood to my right. “I’m here.”

I huffed a frustrated breath and walked away from him.

“Where are we going?” He jogged and caught up with me.

I shook my head and made my way to the back of the estate. To be successful, I couldn’t be seen. And I didn’t need some adult tagging along.

His firm hand wrapped around my wrist. “Anna. Where are you going?”

“Jon, I need to take care of something. And I need to do this alone.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Let me go.”

“You know who you are to me. Let me help.”

“No.” I gave my arm a yank, to no avail. “This is a me thing.”

“Countess.” His voice dropped an octave.

“If you are who you say you are, give me this.” I huffed. “Show me I can trust you.”

We stood there in the darkness staring each other down and finally he relented, letting my hand go. I left him standing there as I slipped around a sign and disappeared from sight. Twigs snapped, leaves shuffled and my breath came out in puffs.

The inn wasn’t far from my home. I only had to make it five blocks over and into the house. This isn’t the first time I snuck back home. I had to do this a few times last school year because I forgot my schoolwork. And if dad would’ve known, he would’ve said no more sleepovers on school nights.

Stray cats darted here and there between houses and garbage cans joined by the occasional armadillo and opossum. As long as I ignored them, they ignored me and before I knew it, my house came into view.

No lights on. Perfect.

Experience taught me that after a fight like tonight, my parents wouldn’t be sleeping in the same room. I dodge the line of sight for the motion-activated light and slipped into the house undetected.

Soft laughter hit my ears, and I tiptoed towards the sound. Around the island in the kitchen, and spreading my legs wide to step on the far edges of the stairs, I made my way up to the second floor.

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