Page 87 of Foresyth Conservatory
I glanced at Leone, but he was so absorbed in his book that I thought he hadn’t noticed.I hopedhe hadn’t noticed. Butthen, his eyes flicked up to meet mine before drifting to the Trees. The gesture was slight, but I understood it for what it was.
He was reminding me of our deal.
Aspen looked as relaxed as ever, but there was a flicker—something unreadable—lurking just beneath his gaze. I weighed my options. Approaching them together for the pen could backfire. If one resisted, the other might follow. Or worse, it could sow discord between them—and I couldn’t afford to spark a rift I couldn’t control.
I finished my plate at the same time they did, lingering as they picked at crumbs. Sequoia pressed a kiss to Aspen’s cheek, murmuring something about an essay before leaving the dining room. As she passed me, she reached out, giving my arm a gentle squeeze.
“Let’s talk later, okay?”
Aspen followed her out, but I caught up to him in the hallway. He met my gaze mid-stride.
“A word,” I said in a whisper once Sequoia was out of earshot.
His brows lifted in amusement. “Back for more so soon?”
I rolled my eyes. “What happened last night—it doesn’t change anything. You know why I’m here.” I let the words settle between us, admitting it at last. Aspen had suspected I was investigating Julian’s death. And after last night, it didn’t feel right to keep lying—not when I had been so honest with other parts of myself.
He nodded, but for a split second, I swore I saw something like hurt ripple through his expression.
“And I still want to help you,” he said.
I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”
Aspen hesitated. It was brief, but enough to make my stomach tighten.
“You told me you regretted not being more open with me,” I pressed.
“I did.” His voice was quiet. “But there are things I’m forbidden to say.”
I scoffed. “Great. More secrets. Like I said, nothing has changed.”
He sighed, and for the first time, he looked tired. “I do want to help you, Dahlia.”
I shook my head, exhaling sharply. “Then prove it.”
He watched me for a long moment before finally nodding.
“There’s something I need,” I said, lowering my voice. “A pen. Leone said you have it.”
Aspen’s confusion lasted only a second before a chuckle slipped past his lips. “That old sport is still after it,” he mused, then lowered his voice. “Wait—you slept with us for a pen?”
Heat climbed up my throat. “No—that was—”
Aspen grinned, cutting me off. “Relax, Dahlia. I’m teasing.” His voice dipped lower, a warmth behind it that made my breath hitch. “I figured you’d realize by now—that’s how I show affection.” He paused. “If you want the pen, I’ll give it to you,” he said finally.
I arched a brow. “And?”
“And what?”
“You’re not going to ask for something in return?”
His lips curled at the edges. “What, you want me to ask you to solve a riddle?”
I groaned. “Whatever. Just bring it tonight.”
But before I could turn, his hand closed around my wrist, firm but careful.
“What I said last night,” he murmured, his breath brushing against my skin. “I meant it. We’re here for you, we’re your friends.”
