Page 45 of A Midnight Romance
I run my sweaty palms along the tops of my legs. “And where is that?”
“Thunder Ridge.”
“Thunder Ridge?” I repeat, wondering if I’ve heard him right. I’m surprised because tales of the northern forest have circulated among locals for generations. Thunder Ridge is far from civilization. Filled with skyscraper pine trees, the area lends itself to locals which tales claim hikers have gone missing up there since the early nineties.
“He couldn’t find anything at first, but when we looked into Rich’s immediate and extended family, we found out that there’s an estate there that remained in Rich’s late great-aunt’s name.”
“What does that mean for us?”
“My team’s working on locating the property since it doesn’t show up on any maps.”
“But it’s already Thursday,” I begin, lost in my own thoughts. “Wait, this means we have to get to that cabin by tomorrow night.”
“That’s why I’m here.”
“So what do we do now? What’s the plan?”
A sly grin slowly crawls across River’s face. “It’s show time.” My heart bottoms out at that this is happening. Excitement and anticipation pump through my veins. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow evening at nine. My team will be on his tail, watching his every move until we get there.”
I nod, my breath becomes labored.
River slides over to where I’m seated and slowly reaches over to tuck a few loose strands behind my ear. “I’ll be there the whole time. You’ll be safe, Lux.”
I wet my dry lips, looking into his eyes and simply nod.
“It’s not too late to back out.” His voice softens as his hand comes to cup my cheek.
He wants me to change my mind.
But I can’t.
I want justice as any person would, but River’s right. My desire for vengeance is being driven by rage—and that is the more powerful emotion.
I flip my head up, locking eyes with the only person who can help me complete this task—the only person who understands what happened to me and the only one willing to help.
With a powerful conviction, much as the fury of a raging fire, I shake my head. “No, I want to do this. Icando this.”
“I know,” he says with a confidence that settles in my soul.
“Thank you.”
River slowly removes his hand from my face, but I wish he’d put it back. “Now, let’s go over the plan…” he begins.
While he explains how the night will happen, I find myself captivated by his every word. He details most of it, but I can tell there are still some aspects he’d prefer to keep me out of. Which I’m fine with at this point.
“There’s one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“You’ll be moving in with me. I think it’s the best way to guarantee your safety.”
Chapter 16
River
“Ican’t believe you’re letting her come along,” Sebastian scolds in disbelief, following closely behind as I rush into my office. Ever since he learned Lux will be joining us, there’s been a new energy in the air.
“Is everyone in place?” I ask, ignoring his disgruntled attitude. I get that he’s upset and I’d normally be weary too, but I still can’t explain why I trust her, I just do. My instincts are usually right and they never steer me wrong, so this should be no different.
