because my heart is full of him: “I love you. You don’t have to say it back.”
The hall outside Leo’s room is quiet. I tug on the leggings I got from the closet on my way through the room, and put my coat on over top. No—socks. I didn’t get socks.
It’s fine. I’ll only be outside for the walk down the driveway, and then Cash and my dad can drive me back.
I pad down the stairs and nod to the guard at the bottom. He doesn’t question me when I hunt through the oversized coat closet for boots.
But at the door—
“Miss Constantine.”
“My family is here. I’m going to meet them. There’s someone waiting at the gates, right?”
“I’ll have to clear this with Mr. Morelli’s head of security.”
I’m not staying that long. Not with Cash and Dad out there, waiting to get in. “If he has a problem with it, send him out after me.”
I open the door and go out. I’ve never been high before, but I bet this is what it’s like. Walking out into cold, clear air on the best day of your life. Leo lived. We didn’t have to go into the city. When I wake up tomorrow, my family will be safe. Maybe I can finally call Petra and tell her everything that’s happened. Maybe not. She might still worry.
A shiver works down my spine. My hair is still wet from the shower. A tiny oversight, not drying my hair. But I never guessed this would happen. I’m so glad it’s happening. I flip the hood of the coat up. Who cares that Leo has the world’s longest driveway? I don’t. I treasure the walk.
This is good.
This is so, so good.
Nothing will beat slipping back into bed next to him, though. I pick up the pace. If the guards in the woods are watching, they don’t say anything. Getting into his warm bed will be the most delicious moment. Leo will stir. Open his eyes. He’ll reach for me, and pull me close, and I’ll finally sleep.
There aren’t any guards at the stone pillars, which makes sense. They stand on the outside, not the inside. I don’t see them through the metal gate. That also makes sense, because Cash said they hadn’t wanted him to block the drive. They know I’m coming. They’ve left the gate open for me.
One step through. Another. So close.
Oh—headlights. They’re so bright. Leo’s stone pillars aren’t decorated with lights. It makes the road darker. It makes his house, huge as it is, less conspicuous from the road. I shield my eyes with my hand. A shadow detaches from that light, and it’s—
“Cash!” I run for him. My heart is the lightest it’s ever been. Safe. We’re all going to be safe. He turns to face me, my tall little brother, and I open my arms wide to hug him.
He flinches back, stepping out of range. Cash’s hands are stuffed in the pockets of his coat. And his face…
He’s pissed.
“I’m sorry.” Leo has a gym. I’m going to start using it so I’m not out of breath the next time I have to run ten feet. “It’s kind of a hike from the house.”
“Don’t be sorry, Hales, I—” Cash flinches again.
I take a step toward him. “What was that? Are you hurt?” I touch his arm. “There’s a doctor inside. It sounds weird, but I promise, she’s really good.”
Cash’s eyes go from my hand on his arm to my face. “I have some broken ribs.”
Broken. Ribs. That’s why he sounds like this. Injured. Badly. All my happy warmth bursts like a balloon. “Oh, Cash. Oh—I’m sorry.” I should have insisted. I should have gone to the house and made them come to Leo’s. “Let’s head in. Carina—Dr. Jain. She’ll know what to do.”
He shakes his head. “No.”
“You don’t have to see her, but I think you should. I’m not sure what they do for broken ribs but she can at least—”
“No, Hales. I’m not coming in with you.”
“What do you mean?” Any why is he out here by himself? The windshield is thrown into darkness compared to the headlights and I can’t see the front seats. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s not here.”
“Cash.” A chill wind picks up and cuts through the coat, through my clothes. Through Leo’s T-shirt and my tank top and the leggings I wore for what was supposed to be a quick trip outside. “Tell me what’s going on.”
He’s watching the road behind us. I thought he was just avoiding my