Page 84 of Inside the Wicked

Adam says, “They say I’m reserved and uninspired?”

Aurora hops off the table, giving him a playful smile. “Unlike them, I know closet doors when I see them,” she says.

That turns Adam sour and me defensive.

She stops shoulder to shoulder with me. “And it takes one with a secret to see another is hiding one too,” she says, personal to me. Then she sighs, seeming bored of our company already. “I have something better planned for tonight anyway.”

Adam and I watch her as she leaves, her black heels clicking off the marble, ponytail swaying as she descends the front steps.

“What’s her deal?” Adam comments.

“I don’t think we want to know,” I say.

Both of us shake off the presence of her that lingers like a ghost.

“Want to tell me whatyourdeal is then?”

“Rhett and I are going to see Silas tonight,” I tell him after a careful scan around.

Adam’s brow pulls together. “What are you hoping for with that?”

“He saved Rhett. I have to believe he’s still open to an alliance.”

“If Kenna is involved.”

“After we take down Alistair, we’ll get her out. It’s the longer way, but Silas will benefit more than anyone if he can maintain the patience.”

“I don’t like this.”

“None of us do. We’re not in the clear yet—not even close. There’s no telling how any of this shitshow will go.”

“Rix is out of his mind with worry with Jeremy still missing.”

Adam looks out of the doors as if his mind is drifting to be there with Rix now.

“Is that where you’re heading?” I guess at his thoughts.

“Yeah. I might not have his skills, but I’ve bounced a few ideas around that I don’t think are completely hopeless.”

My chest warms as I watch his firm expression looking at nothing in particular.

“You’re anything but hopeless.” I nudge him. “What happened to still hopeful Henry?”

His head snaps to me. “Why do you ask? It’s not like it’s this or him. Or that I’m finding interest elsewhere. I just like hanging out somewhere and?—”

“Relax,” I chuckle. “I just mean no one will hold it against you if you take some time for yourself. I know you were hoping to travel and see him more.”

Adam’s shoulders visibly lose tension. “Right. Well, he seems pretty serious with that other guy anyway.”

“Damn, that sucks.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

He’s acting strange, but I can’t really blame him when this is all new to him. It’s still new to me, and the shit we’ve found ourselves wrapped in would send our parents to an early grave.

“What are you and Kaiser going to do? You know, if we all manage to come out of this with our lives.”

It’s a question I don’t want to face. That time has to come, and I’m determined wewillbe triumphant. But even when we succeed against Lanshall and Forthson, the fact Rhett and I can never be seen together shatters my heart.

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