Here Lies a Saint (Here Lies #2) - C.L. Matthews Page 0,78

coos, lying through her perfectly straight teeth. "They didn't think we knew, but we did, and we were excited to plan this."

Colt stands stalk still, her entire body stiff and staunched with disapproval. Luckily, she puts on a brave face, something we're taught at a young age.

"We want the big event tonight to be an elopement."

"Fuck," Ross, Ten, and I hiss at the same moment. This cannot be fucking happening.

It's at that moment, I see Lux break character. He literally pulls away from his dad and takes Colt off the stage with him. Not knowing what the fuck that means, I jump up and race after them. Not only will my father kill me for running, but Midas will too.

I see them in the hall. Colt is on the ground, shaking, and Lux is crouched at eye-level. I watch in awe as she falls apart and he's there for her.

Maybe this is what they need.

Each other.

Maybe it’s too far-fetched for us all to be a fucked up whatever-we-are and they have always been the end game?

When I come closer, Lux turns. It's a reminder that no matter how far apart we are, there's this weird connection we feel for one another.

"This is so fucked," he states.

"They're going to come for you both," I mutter, interrupting what must be the start of his tirade. They don't move, and I come closer. "I'm fucking serious. Go."

Colt stands with tears in her eyes and determination. "You go," she demands of Lux. "We need to save face. Midas will be coming for Lux. He needs to hide."

Peering at his shaking body, I swallow. He's fuming, and he's no better than a caged bull right now.

"Remember where you'd used to play with Max when we were younger?" I ask.

Lux's eyes connect with mine, his face morphing from confusion to understanding. Just because he chose to forget our childhood memories, while few, doesn't mean he can. He always thought he was with Max, but truth be told, he had been with me. I had this inane ability to use Max's name when I thought it would make me feel stronger, but it really didn't do anything for me.

He nods and heads out the door. Where he's going, neither of our fathers will find him. It's a place me and Max claimed as our own really young, where our first promise was broken.

Colt comes to me and hugs me. "Not sure what the hell you've experienced together, but thank you for getting him out of here. He's volatile and a danger to himself."

"I know, and if I have to die in order to protect you both, I will."

We walk back inside. It's almost too calm. People are dancing. The music is playing beautifully, but the table with our parents and friends is empty.

"Shit," Colt expresses. "Think they're already on the hunt? It's not like we made it far."

"They're probably saving face when their newest engaged and to be married couple ran off."

"I can't believe my mom did that to me. She's always been shit, especially with her fucking my teacher, but this is new."

The words spilling out surprise me. "Wait, what?"

"Richter and her, I caught them the night Yang was murdered." Suddenly, she narrows her eyes. "Did you have something to do with her death?"

I don't even hold back the hiss from me. "Do I look like I'd kill your best friend? No. We were actually supposed to be gone, but Ross and Lux convinced us to stay."

"Why?" she hedges, poking my chest. "Why didn't you guys go? That's why we went looking."

"Be glad we didn't." The words come out harsh. "If we weren't there, they'd probably have killed you and Mel too."

"I think she's involved."

This time I hold back my cards, not knowing her angle. Mel gives me shady fucking vibes, but I've never told anyone about that.

"What makes you say that?" I ask.

She rolls her eyes. "Please don't say since the last time we were around each other, she's had her daggers in you."

I chuckle, unable to hide my amusement at her words. The jealousy she's feeling is more obvious than the danger we're in.

"I've been talking to Noah—"

I cut her off at the name of my sister. "Noah," I hiss. "What the hell are you doing hanging out with her?"

She smiles like a kid caught doing something wrong. "What's wrong, Jordy? Scared I'll like your sister's taste more than you?"

No, actually. That never crossed my mind. Squeezing my hands into fists, I try to