Page 81 of Tempt Me
And that realization is what will see me through these next few days while I plan my escape.
Chapter46
Luca
“Rue?” She looks up at me as I corner her in the courtyard. “Is everything okay?”
She sighs. “You seem to be asking me that a lot lately. There’s a lot going on.”
“I know. But talk to me.”
“I don’t know if I can about this.”
“You can trust me.”
Rue looks at me with fear and uncertainty in her eyes. Whatever is going on with her is serious. She is pale and exhausted. I don’t want to push her, but I can’t help the worry that’s gnawing at me that she is going to do something stupid and reckless.
“It’s okay,” I say softly. “You can tell me when you’re ready.”
For a moment, there’s silence as Rue stares off into the distance, lost in thought. Finally, she takes a deep breath and turns to face me.
“I have to leave,” she says so quietly I barely hear her.
“Leave? What do you mean?”
“I mean, I have to run away,” she clarifies. “From everything. From Solitaire, from my parents, from the throne. I need to start over somewhere else.”
A sense of shock washes over me as I try to process what Rue is saying. This is the last thing I expected to hear from her. Why would she want to give up everything she’s worked for?
“Why?” I ask. “Why now?”
Rue hesitates before answering. “I can’t keep living like this if it means I can’t be with Isaac. You know Nana Ellie. She is going to throw a fit when she finds out, and she will…if she hasn’t already.”
It’s clear that she doesn’t want to say any more than that, and I know better than to push her. But the idea of Rue leaving fills me with a sense of dread.
“What about Solitaire?” I ask. “What about your duty as the heir? You’ve worked your whole life for this, Misty. Surely, you can figure something out?”
“I can’t keep playing their game anymore,” Rue says firmly. “I need out. This is the only way to make Nana Ellie see reason. Can I trust you, Luca? Can I trust that you aren’t going to stop me?”
I see the determination in her eyes, and I know that she’s made up her mind. But worry lingers inside me. What if something happens to her? What if she gets caught up in something and doesn’t have Solitaire to help her out?
“Rue, are you sure about this?” I ask her carefully.
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life,” she replies with a small smile. “I’m sorry, Luca. I know this is a lot to take in, but I have to do this.”
I nod slowly, knowing that there’s nothing I can say or do to change her mind. Rue has always been strong-willed, and once she’s made a decision, there’s no going back for her.
“Okay,” I say finally. “If there’s anything you need from me, just let me know.”
“Thank you,” Rue says, relief apparent in her eyes. “I appreciate that. And I’m glad you said that.” She gazes at me with a look in her eyes that makes my blood heat up. “I need you to keep my parents occupied while I make my escape. Can you do that?”
“If that’s what you need me to do, I will. You know I will do anything for you, Rue. I love you.”
We stand there in silence for a few moments, the air shimmering with tension, before Rue speaks up again.
“I have to go.”
“Wait.” I reach out and take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Please be careful, okay? Call me if you need anything. I’m always here for you.”
