Page 34 of The Prom

“So, what happens now?”

“I can’t do this alone, Imogen. I need eyes on the inside and you can work with me to save Jesse and allow Ryder and the Reapers to take the Serpent Society out.”

She nods, grim determination in her eyes as she whispers, “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

I heave a huge sigh of relief but add, “It has risks.”

“I don’t care.” She smiles shyly. “I’m a patched in member of your team now, Drake. We will get this mission done.”

My heart physically aches as I stare at the brave woman who looks so delicate she could break like china, but inside she is made of steel, which turns out to be a lethal combination that has already trapped my soul.

“What happens now?”

“You carry on as before, but with your newly learned information, report back on anything suspicious.”

“Carry on as before.” She slumps in her seat. “That means to act as Jesse’s girl, I’m guessing.”

“I’m sorry, baby, it’s the only way.”

“And us, Drake. Was that just to get my attention?”

The hurt filling her eyes causes me to swallow hard because fuck, she believes I’ve betrayed her, too.

“To get close to you was the plan, but to kiss you, to touch you and to want you was strictly forbidden.”

“Forbidden. Who?”

“Your father.”

I groan as her eyes widen and she whispers, “My father warned you off me?”

“Of course.” I shrug. “It didn’t work though, and I’ve crossed the line. I should have been stronger. I’ve let both of you down. I was supposed to protect you and I took advantage of that, which is why?—”

I stop because I can’t form the words and she says gently, “Why?”

“Why it can’t happen again.”

“I see.”

My words have crushed her spirit, and she sighs, glancing out at the sky, where normal life carries on around us.

“Well, you’ve got my attention.”

She laughs, but it’s a dull sound. Not the giggle I love or the innocent smile of a woman who doesn’t realize men like me exist in the world.

“If I could change things, I would.”

I want her to believe me because it’s true. If I met Imogen in normal life, she would be exactly the kind of girl I would go for. She isthatgirl, which is why my situation is dragging a rusty blade to my heart as I contemplate my life without her in it.

“I’m guessing my father will be pissed if he finds out.”

She sighs. “Well, he won’t hear it from me.”

“I’m not asking you to lie for me, baby.”

She turns and the sadness in her expression causes my breath to falter as she whispers, “I liked it. If it’s any consolation, you are the first guy I considered, well–”

She falters and blushes and I just can’t help myself and reach for her hand, tangling our fingers together as I nod. “I feel the same. Life sucks.”

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