Chapter 18

“Where are we going?” I asked, a bit nervous as we passed the sign heading out of Las Vegas.

The drive was long, and the sun began to set. The air cooled down as it always did on desert nights. Without the neon lights around us, there was very little to guide the way down the long stretches of desert road.

I could only trust that Peter knew where he was going. Darkness surrounded us as we drove, the city’s lights fading into the distance behind us.

“Damon has a house not far from the city. He wanted you to stay there,” Peter said, gently. “Sorry about all this. I don’t want you to think I’m kidnapping you or something.”

“I didn’t, Peter,” I told him, my alarm growing, “until you said that.”

“Oops,” he chuckled. “My bad.” He tried to smile at me in the rearview mirror but my mind was racing.

I tried to calm my nerves throughout the drive. Honestly, I didn’t see why I had to live anywhere but in my own apartment.

Sure, it wasn’t the most comfortable since you had to take showers in cold water because the heater was broken and my neighbor liked to slip his “samples” under everyone’s doors but…

You know what, never mind. My apartment was a hole, but it was mine. I didn’t know how I felt about staying at Damon’s house.

I leaned my head against the car window, gazing through the tinted darkness. Above, I could see the stars so clearly. Like tiny twinkling diamonds in the sky.

I’d never seen so many before. I could count on my hand the number of times I’d left the city but it was nice to be able to see the stars. Eventually, my eyes shut as I dozed off, the coolness of the glass soothing me.

“We’re here!” Peter said excitedly.

I jerked awake at Peter’s claim, feeling like I’d only slept for a minute. The car pulled up to a large metal gate, a twenty-foot fence surrounding whatever was behind it.

Chapter 18

If I knew Damon, it was probably electrified or something. Anything to keep his life private.

A security guard dressed in black approached us with an unfriendly look.

Peter rolled down both of our windows and the unknown man’s eyes locked onto me before turning to look at Peter.

“Hey, Joe!” Peter greeted him like they were old friends.

Joe only grunted, that scowl still on his face.

“This is Adelaide. She’s the wife I was telling you about. You know, that one,” Peter hinted, not subtle at all. I would have to ask Damon what he’d been telling people about me.

Joe’s eyes looked at me, and he grunted again. I was beginning to think that was all he did.

“I know! Can you believe Damon of all people got married?” Peter laughed. “Anyway, Damon wanted her to live here for the time being, so you should be seeing her come and go as she pleases. Damon’s words, not mine.”

I could come and go as I pleased. So, why did I have to stay here at all? What was Damon so worried

gave a third grunt and then turned his back

talking to you, Joe!” Peter waved bye with a silly grin. The gates. began to open as Joe took his

guy is great. You should talk to him sometime, he has some wild stories,” Peter

him, incredulously. Was he messing with me or just insane?

driveway, the house came into view, and I forgot all about Peter or Joe. I

It was huge.

It had to be the size

house was full of sloped angles and

Chapter 18

each corner. Between the stone walls around the desert-like gardens and the wooden panels between

platforms to the entrance. I could practically see all the

house-in the middle of the garden.

build, actually,” Peter shrugged,

mean he designed this?” I

and

was in a state of shock as we got out and Peter threw both my bags over his shoulder like they were nothing, simply walking into the house as if he owned

he said, “Well, I’ll be sleeping over there if you need me. Mrs. Rivas can whip

“Peter!”

skin appeared over the second. floor out of nowhere, a stern look on her face. She was a plump woman in a messy apron and had a

ashamedly, grabbing

was afraid my ribs would

Mrs. Rivas’

I sucked in a massive breath, trying to grin at her despite the

Chapter 18

but I knew what amor was. Was that really

both of my cheeks

politely as I could. “But I’m a bit tired if you don’t mind.”

finest omelet for you. I’ll have Rosie take

my ears as Mrs. Rivas practically screamed out the name.

voice called out, someone rushing from upstairs. Another woman

hear her feet from

Rosie called out with

clearly just out of high school, still bright, and her

to her room,” Mrs.

too! Follow me,

at least Rosie got my name right. Rosie chattered to me about the house and how it was built as she took me to my room. The house was much

and gestured to one of

Adelaide,” Rosie grinned, then she skipped away, light on her feet

the room

It was Damon’s.

floors were immaculate, the desk in the corner was piled to the top with papers and pencils,

Chapter 18

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