Page 66 of Where We Began

Laiken

It's late when theparty ends. That's how I know it went well.

I linger, observing from the sidelines as several men shake Silas's hand before they exit. Yes, this definitely went the way I'd hoped.

I'm buzzing with relief. But that starts to fade the longer I wait around in the ballroom. I'd hoped that Dominic would find me here. He'd said he wanted to, and I'm eager for more of the wicked pleasure he can give me. It will definitely let me ride my high in the right way.

Eventually, I'm alone. The room is empty, my heels echoing as I circle the dirty tables. The maids will clean this all away tomorrow. It will be like the event never happened.

Not for me, though.

Even if the party went well... I can't forget that Kara was here. I didn't see her leave, I don't know who she came with. Without the party or Dominic to distract me, my mind starts a mile run of paranoia.

Whywasshe here tonight? To mess with me, like a cruel joke? Is she going to come back? Will I not see her again until I escape, and even then, do I have to save her too? Silas must have her on lock down somewhere else. That makes sense. He told me he had the rest of my family.

But then, did he bring her here? Does Dominic really not know? I want to believe him, but I already know he has secrets. This could be another one. I'm all fucked up with anxiety. After taking another circle of the room, I give the pinecones a regretful glance, then leave.

Dominic slipped out when I was talking to someone else. I'd thought he'd return before the party ended. Now, I'm worried something happened to him.Maybe he felt ill,I think, wandering the hallway towards my room.He could have gone to lie down.I pull up short, thinking of what he said before. About taking me to his room.

Pivoting, I change directions. My speed quickens as I traverse the quiet halls. The lights are low, but I can see fine. Not that I need to; I know this house exceptionally well. I definitely know the way to Dominic's room.

The closer I get, the faster my heart ripples. It's like someone tossed a stone into the puddle inside of my chest. For years, when I'd come this way, sadness would claw and attack me. It hurt so much to know his room was sitting empty.

Now... now, I'll get to open that door and see him inside. See his huge body filling the room, luxuriate in his sheets as he holds me down on the silk, kissing me until I sob. I'm nearly to the door when I notice there's a thin rod of light spilling from it onto the red carpet. I realize he's got to be inside, just seconds before I here someone talking. The tone rises then falls, and my stomach drops as I swear I'm hearingtwopeople.

I get near the door's crack. Through it, I see the side of Dominic's head. Glorious relief somersaults through me. I imagined a second voice. Was he talking to himself? I decide it doesn't matter—I can't wait to surprise him. I reach for the knob, preparing to let myself in.

“Don't lecture me,” Kara says, moving into view. Her eyes are closed, but not in a peaceful way. Her features are strained and tight. “I know I came off as cold. How else was I supposed to be, though?”

My heart slams into my ribs with escalating tempo.Why are they talking alone?

Why are they talking at all?

“She's been wishing she could see you again for years, Kara. This wasn't the reunion she wanted.”

“It's not the one I wanted, either,” she seethes. Her eyes fly open, centering on him. “You know you have to end this. You can't put her in danger like you are. Dominic—”

“You don't get to tell me what happens next,” he says. From my slim view of the scene I can see the vein in his neck; he's furious. “My promise to you had nothing to do with what happens between me and her.”

“Fuck, you're so selfish.” She puts her hand on his forearm, a pleading touch, afamiliartouch.

As my world splits open, dripping me into the void, I realize something that should be impossible. A fact they both kept hidden from me.

Dominic and my sister know each other.

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