Page 268 of Hide and Keep

I hadn’t considered how difficult it’s been for him having to go to Littoral every day.

“You could still go, you know. Considering the human brain isn’t fully developed until twenty-five, it’d probably be more beneficial for you to attend college now that yours is.”

“The schools around here…” Instead of finishing that thought, Crue just shakes his head.

“You don’t have to stay in Sea Haven. You can go to any college in the country.”

It’s a while before Crue responds.

“I’ll think about it…in three years…when I can afford to.”

Now I’m the quiet one.

“So, about tonight…”

“What kind of celebration did you have in mind, Major?”

I don’t want to go anywhere outside of this cocoon Crue and I have built for ourselves.

Ryan’s finally gone, my father’s been too busy getting caught up from his unexpected sick leave to even be around at mealtimes, Crue is…everything. When I’m not in class, we’ve either been running or swimming or stunting, or in the atrium, his bed, or shower. He’s become my partner, my best friend, my lover, my everything.

“We can have Frederick make a clafoutis tart and eat it while watching a movie,” Crue suggests as we pull up the winding driveway to Munreaux Manor.

A clafoutis tart?

“How did you—”

“Ryan told me. It’s the only good thing he did.”

That and leave.

“In your room or the theater?”

“‘The theater,’” he mocks, but I can’t laugh because the manor comes into view and with it, Edwin. He’s standing out front, waiting.

Why is he waiting?

At the sight of my father’s valet, Crue instantly removes his hand from my thigh, returning it to his own with a muttered, “What does Eddy want?”

Ticktock.

I contemplate grabbing that hand and telling Crue everything, to hell with the consequences, but Ican’t. It won’t make any difference anyway.

The whole time he’s putting my heels on, I study Edwin. His eyes do not touch on us once, yet I know with absolute certainty that he’s out here for us. For me.

“I need to go to the atrium,” I announce loudly as soon as I’m out of the car, Crue beside me.

Without missing a beat, Edwin steps forward. “Miss Munreaux, if you could follow me, please. Your father would like a word.”

“I need to check on my butterflies,” I repeat with a tremble in my voice.

“I can do that for you.”

“No. I—”

“Your father insists.” With that, Edwin spins, leaving me no choice but to follow.

“I’ll come with,” Crue assures me, but Edwin hears.

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