A High so Sweet (Thornes & Roses #2) - Dani Rene Page 0,37

consider what I want to do to Kalyn’s fake fiancé, because that’s what he is. There’s no way she can love this bastard. He’s nothing more than a bully.

Grabbing my wallet, keys, and phone, I make my way out to the garage and slide into the driver’s seat of my stormy gray SUV with blacked-out windows. I turn on the engine, and the speakers blare out one of my favorite songs. One that reminds me of a time when things were less complicated, and all I wanted to do was claim Kalyn. “Peace of Mind” by Villain of the Story fills the car as I make my way to meet the girl I’ve wanted since I first laid eyes on her.

She’s been through hell.

She’s been alone through all this.

I haven’t yet forgiven her for what she did to me, but I’m nowhere near as cruel as this motherfucking Paulo Morales is. I wanted to make her pay, to ensure she leaves Thorne Haven and never returns, but that was all my smokescreen. As I pull up to the entrance of our old party spot, I realize that what I really wanted was Kalyn in my arms, screaming my name as I finally claim what has always been mine—her.

I don’t see anyone from the window, but before I get out and make my way to the spot, I know she’ll be waiting. I inhale a couple of deep breaths, hoping they’ll calm me down. But knowing what I do about her life, what she’s been doing since she left Thorne Haven, I can’t find it in myself to keep calm.

She made mistakes.

We all do.

Yes, the lie she told was harsh, but she’ll most certainly pay for it once I’ve freed her from Paulo and chained her to me forever. The thought of keeping her as mine has been solidified in my thoughts. There’s no going back. I can’t. With that in mind, I pull out my phone and tap out a text to Dad.

Even though he doesn’t know what’s going on, asking him for help will ensure I can do what needs to be done tonight. I don’t have to wait long for his response, and I’m surprised because usually around this time, he and his new wife are locked in their wing of the manor, not to be seen till morning.

Thankfully, he’s agreed.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I push open the car door and inhale the woodsy scent of the forest. This is the place where I’ve lost myself so many times, I’ve lost count. It’s dark already, and a chill has set in the air, which means it’s time to have some fun with Kalyn. I hope she remembers the game.

I cup my hands at my mouth and offer up the cry of the game, two long whistles which echo amongst the thick tree trunks. And that’s when my feet carry me into the shadows.

I’m coming for you, little liar.

17

Kalyn

The echo of his call has me jumping in shock, my feet moving on instinct through the trees. I don’t run because I don’t want to; I don’t need to because I know Cassian will eventually find me. Instead, I make my way toward the lake, slipping behind the thick trunks every now and then, hoping he won’t get to me before I reach the water.

My talk with Genevieve didn’t go as expected. She knows more than she should about what Paulo is like, and I didn’t expect it. Her guess about his demeanor was perfectly on point. And the fact that she knows about our relationship, the possessiveness of my fiancé doesn’t sit well with me. Guilt had eaten at me as she tried to warn me to seek help, but what she doesn’t realize is if I do anything to anger him, my father will be left with no medical treatment, and it’s expensive. More than we can afford.

Anger takes hold of me when I think about how Dad had squandered our money as if he had a never-ending supply. And his choices have brought me to this moment, where we’re going to have to sell off everything to pay back what we owe Paulo. But not only that, I’m indebted to a man I hate. On the one hand, I blame my dad, and on the other, I blame myself for agreeing to go ahead with it.

Shaking my head of the errant thoughts, I focus on my steps and finally make it to the clearing