Page 79 of Those That Don't Exist
“Yes.” She inhales slowly, purposefully. “He was so excited about me finishing university. In the aftermath of the war, being orphans, neither of my parents had the opportunity. I need to complete it. I can keep myself safe for a few weeks. I promise, I won’t take any risks.”
My resolve to leave crumbles, I can’t say no to this female. There is logic to her plan as well. It's dangerous, but we’ve been walking a perilous path for months. If we’re vigilant I’m sure we can keep the pack at bay for a few weeks. Plus, if we can set up our departure there will be less questions for Red to answer. She can warn her friends. There is less chance they’ll file a missing person report.
She cups my face in her warm palms, opening her thighs wider to pull my body closer to hers. I go willingly, wrapping my arms around her.
“Can you stay hidden here for a few weeks?” Her voice has lost the argumentative tone which has the tension in me relaxing. I hate arguing with her.
“Yes, of course I can.” Keeping myself hidden would be easy.Well… sort of. Keeping her from harm is the bit I’m terrified of.
“Ok. Please can we do this my way? Let me wrap my head around leaving too. I always thought I would stay in the city.” There’s an edge to her voice telling me she’s near breaking point.
“I get it,” I tell her. “This city is home.”
Her eyes glitter with pain. I can’t face putting her through more.
“We’ll get through this,” I add softly. “We’ll find a way.”
I lean in, placing a kiss on her forehead. She’s been through so much this past year already I don't know how much more she can take before she shatters. I only hope I can keep her safe until we figure this out.
CHAPTER 28
AURORA
My head is spinning as we enter the ballroom of the charity function. My arm linked through Ty’s is the only thing keeping me grounded right now. After the last twenty four hours I feel like my world is being tipped on its axis yet again.
I barely kept it together on the walk here, the fundraiser on the far side of campus in one of the dance studios.
I couldn’t help but wonder what it'd be like to leave. Imagining it was the final time I’d see the old mishmash of buildings. The last time I’d smell the fresh summer breeze mingled in with the river flowing metres away from us as we meandered along the bank to the function hall. I tried to memorise everything. We’d agreed on a few more weeks, but I was already grieving the loss. Another loss I would have to add to my ever growing list.
At least I’d have time to say goodbye. As I’d chatted to Claire earlier I’d been slammed with the thought that if I disappeared I wouldn’t be able to say anything to them. I would just suddenly be gone from their lives.
I couldn’t do it. I knew we’d be in danger if we stayed but I could handle Adicious.
I hoped.
I grab a flute of champagne from the waiter who greets us in the entryway and gulp it down. Ty offers me his, and I drink that too. If I’m going to get through this evening I need something to numb the overwhelming feelings inside me.
Claire gives me a look but is immediately jumped on by Bree. By the time she stops squealing in greeting I’ve plastered a huge smile on my face, and locked all the hard stuff away.
Bree drags all of us around the room, there’s a silent auction along one wall, and screens on another showing the dancers doing their thing. We watch for a while, praising Bree for her achievements this year. She also sneaks us into the adjoining auditorium to show us the set for the end of year finale.
She lights up, telling us she’s had confirmation that scouts from the ballet company in West Scotia are coming to her performance. The excitement in her voice is nearly too much for me, knowing I might not be here to see her succeed.
The final part of this tour is the buffet, which she and Claire dig into. Ty excuses us from the food by twirling me out onto the dance floor where the band has started up. He wraps me into his arms and starts leading me in a classic ballroom dance I have no idea how to do. It's a great distraction.
“Bree didn’t rub off on you then.” He grins at me as I try very hard to mirror the steps he does without tripping over my own feet.
“How do you know how to do this?” I don’t take my eyes off his feet for fear I’ll step on him in my stilettos.
“My parents insisted I learn. I grew up before club music was popular, remember.”
“Seriously? This was the only dancing people did before the war?”
“Ha, ha. No. I’m not that old. But Ballroom was popular. There were clubs which were more casual. Some played Jazz,and a few were experimenting with the electronic stuff but I preferred this.”
“Weirdo,” I tease, but in the next moment Ty pulls my arm, spinning me under his powerful movements, and all my bravado flees.
I let out a squeal, causing a few heads to turn in our direction. Ty chuckles at my ear before laying a kiss on my cheek as we come to a stop at the songs end.
