The Queen They Buried

Chapter 31

The mood in the car was heavy. Outside, the sky turned dark, and rain started pouring all of a sudden.

Aubree sat quietly, lips pressed into a tight line. She heard a soft sigh, then felt a big hand gently touching her cheek..

“That look doesn’t suit you,” Bowen said.

Aubree pulled his hand away and turned her head, meeting his easygoing smile. His voice, usually cool and calm, was now soft and a little gentle. “What

look?” she asked.

Bowen thought for a second. “You’ll get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that. Weren’t you treating me to lunch? I skipped breakfast for this, you know

His teasing made Aubree loosen up a little. She stopped frowning. “Don’t worry. I’ve already picked a place.”

She pointed ahead, telling Zachary to pull over by the curb. “It’s in that alley over there.”

Rithol High School students usually had a study block around noon, so they’d eat lunch near the school or in the cafeteria. This whole area had a bunch

of little restaurants.

Back then, when Aubree wasn’t allowed to eat properly at home, she’d sneak out here to buy food when she was starving. But every time she went back, she’d end up getting beaten for it.

Since it was her treat, Bowen didn’t complain. Once they got out of the car, he told Zachary to stay behind. He and Aubree walked together into the alley, sharing one umbrella.

Bowen was a lot taller than Aubree. To cover her, he tilted the umbrella–and himself–her way.

Even though it was already fall, the heat still felt like summer in Rithol City. Aubree was wearing her school uniform: a short skirt and a light shirt. As they walked side by side, she kept brushing up against Bowen without meaning to.

Because of the heat, Bowen rolled up his sleeves, and his shirt fit just right.

Their arms touched–his skin cool, hers warm–and it made Aubree feel like her own skin was burning. She swallowed without thinking.

The umbrella didn’t give them much room, and Bowen’s light, woodsy scent seemed to wrap all around Aubree. It felt like she couldn’t smell anything

but him.

into her head–stories from before the time

eat around here a lot?” Bowen asked as they passed a few storefronts. His voice sounded calm and

I wasn’t allowed to eat freely when I was with the Wilsons,” Aubree mumbled, feeling nervous for some

his chest. With them sharing the same

bit, trying not to bump into him

you’re hungry, just come and find me.

was nothing, like it didn’t

he said

suddenly leaned closer,

he gently grabbed her wrist and pulled

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Chapter 31

he said softly. “This

his shoulder. Sure enough,

softly above her head and gave her shoulder a light tap. “I

confused, and

smooth tone that sent a tickle

his fingers. His eyes sparkled with amusement–he clearly found her reactions

Chris or Samson had seen this, they probably would’ve called Bowen out for shamelessly

he wasn’t

the short walk came to an end. “We’re here,” Aubree said quickly, pointing at the pasta

run off like she was escaping and let out a quiet laugh. He thought she was so cute when she got

with a few locals scattered around. A pretty schoolgirl walking in wasn’t

over a few times before snapping back to her job. She

her. “Mr. Turner, what

“You pick,” Bowen said.

beef pasta and one

owner nodded and

an eyebrow. He knew Aubree didn’t have much money, but he hadn’t expected her to order one beef pasta for herself and

him.

look, Aubree felt a little embarrassed. Other than that first meeting when he took her out to eat, this was

staring at,