Page 65 of Carnival
I smile sheepishly. “I did mean it figuratively.’’ I lie with ease, something I’ve learned to do as of late.
“Ah, so you’re waiting for him to get out.’’
“Yes,’’ I say, not missing a beat. “He’ll be out soon.’’
Chase takes the bowl with the chips, then heads back to the living room. He casts a glance over his shoulder, a look on his face that I can’t quite recognize. I’ve never seen it before, either.
“You’re too young to waste your time waiting on a criminal.’’
???
The first week of exams wrecked me. The bag on my shoulder is heavy, and I seriously need to pay someone to giveme a good, thorough massage once this is over. I push the key into the hole, unlock the door, and step inside.
“Jesus Christ!” I yell out, immediately covering my eyes.
Aria and Cove are naked, and I don’t want to see what they’ve been getting up to. Aria is mumbling something about me cock-blocking her, but I can thankfully hear the rustling of clothes as the two get dressed.
“You can look now,’’ she mumbles, grumpily.
I peel my eyes open, and Cove’s sitting on the couch, equally as pissed as Aria, though he doesn’t voice it out. He’s never been the most communicative man, and I appreciate that. Aria’s glaring at me, sitting next to Cove, lifting her feet on the small coffee table.
“How were your exams?”
“At this point, even praying won’t help me,’’ I snort and toss the bag aside, the weight immediately being lifted off my shoulder. “What are you two up to?”
“Well, I was going to get an orgasm before you interrupted,’’ she glares. “But overall, I did want to talk to you.’’
I ignore the first comment and slowly approach them, keeping a respectful distance as the two are still trying to catch their breaths, which I do my best to ignore. Aria looks at me, all previous banter vanishing.
“I just… want you to know that I’m very grateful for everything you’ve done to help me… with Wyatt mainly, but having you around means the world to me, Rose.’’
My brows narrow, and I’m momentarily caught off guard. Aria isn’t someone who wears her heart on her sleeve, andher being this open about her feelings is a rare moment of vulnerability for her.
“You’re welcome,’’ I give her a soft smile. “You don’t have to thank me, though. You’ve been with me through thick and thin, and you’re my sister, so of course, I’ll always be here.’’
She returns the smile. “That being said… dad told me I should be the one to break the news to you.’’
I lift a brow. “Go on.’’
“It’s about Vivian.’’
My heart sinks to my feet.
The past two years haven’t been as peaceful as I’d hoped they’d be with James in prison, but thanks to all the guards Hudson put on me and the fact that Casper’s been around all the time, it hasn’t affected me much.
My apartment got raided a few times, and there were a few highway chases in a desperate attempt to grab me — kidnap me and possibly kill me — but no one’s been able to lay a single hand on me.
Hudson didn’t allow it.
But it hasn’t been easy. Living with my head low, avoiding crowded places, and having no social life, aside from the time when Aria drags me along or the little study group sessions that I’ve come to enjoy. The most I’ve done was go out to have lunch with my friends, and even that was monitored.
And my weekly sessions with a therapist.
“What about Vivian?”
Aria pauses momentarily, eyes flicking to Cove. He just shrugs, silent as always, not really paying attention to me. He’sstill pissed that I interrupted them, and his facial expression says it all.
“Your mother’s maiden name was Hunt.’’
