“And I know that it’s in your womb I want to have my son or daughter grow.” His lips twisted. “Even if I know everyone will think I’ve robbed the cradle---”
“Not the people who know the truth.”
“What is the truth?”
She lifted her head up so he could look into her eyes. “That I’ve been waiting for you since I was fourteen to love me back.”
****
When Keanne woke up, it was dark outside the tent, startling her. For a moment, she remained in Jason’s arms as she let the memories wash over her. They had enjoyed an early breakfast, skinny-dipped in the lake, and joined the rest of the first-year students after. Everyone had been staring at them when they walked back into camp, but no one had dared say a word, not with Jason looking so imposing even though he was again dressed only in a shirt and jeans.
They had gamely joined the activities prepared by the faculty, but by noon she couldn’t stop herself from yawning, making Jason sweep her into his arms over her protests and take her back to her luxurious tent.
And then she must have fallen asleep the moment her head hit the pillow, she decided.
She fumbled for her phone in the dark, but when her fingers encountered the familiar shape of an iPhone, it turned out to be Jason’s and not hers. She unlocked it, needing to use its torch light function.
Instead of pulling the screen up to reveal the icon tray hidden at the bottom, Keanne accidentally clicked on the Photos icon---
A soundless cry broke out of her.
Why did he have a photo of Lilac on his phone?
With trembling fingers, she flicked through the rest of his photos and all of them were…Lilac’s and none of her.
No. Please, no. It didn’t mean anything. This was just a leftover of his past…infatuation with Lilac. She clicked on the call icon, needing to know that he had told her the truth before when she had asked about how frequently he was in contact with Lilac.
The phone fell from her fingers.
He had called her almost every day.
And today, he had probably been late --- today he had probably forgotten about his promise to be with her because he had been busy talking to Lilac for hours.
Chapter Fourteen
Jason was looking for her.
Keanne ended the call and tossed the phone into the backseat of her car before climbing down. Her guards immediately flanked her as she made her way to the front doors of Reid Chalkias’ fortress-like home. Her guards had been reluctant to give up their arms, but in the end they had no choice.
Reid did not allow visitors with weapons, and they had been strictly instructed by Amie Summers never to allow Keanne out of their presence.
Jason’s friend personally welcomed her, bowing slightly as he greeted her good evening. “Your visit is unexpected. Does Jason know you’re coming?”
“No.”
“Ah. I seem destined to ask this again and again, but I take it there’s trouble in paradise?”
“Yes.”
And there was the difference between this young girl and Lilac York, Reid considered. Lilac was selfless and proud, just like Jason Christakos. While this girl – this girl was like Nick Christakos. Expressive where it mattered, fighters the both of them, and almost selfish in the way they zealously cherished the people they loved.
“What is your reason for coming here then? If I can help, I will.”
“I’m really glad you said that. And I hope you mean it because I’m not leaving until I find answers.” She inhaled sharply. “I…I don’t want you to think I’m being a spoiled bitch or anything, but…I love Jason and it’s because I love him that I need to know those answers.”
He said slowly, “You know Beatrice Crichton is here.”
She flinched at the name but she managed a nod. “Yes.”
“And you want to talk to her? Why?”
“I have my reasons.”
“She’s not completely…well,” Reid said carefully. “She’s suffered a breakdown of sorts after she was almost beaten to death by Davos’ men.”
“I understand. I don’t want to cause her pain---”
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Reid said flatly. “I’m worried it’s the other way around and you’ll find out things you’re better off not knowing.”
She smiled without humor, and at that moment she looked so much older beyond her years. “If I…if I tried to hide away from the truth, then what I feel for Jason wouldn’t be true either.”
****
“Ms. Crichton,” the young woman accompanying her said in a gentle voice. “You have a visitor.”
Keanne gasped in shock when Beatrice wheeled her chair around to face her. Scars crisscrossed her once beautiful face, and the way she stared at Keanne made her realize that her vision was badly impaired.