Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen
Alicia's POV
After dinner, I needed air. Needed space. Needed to think without everyone watching.
I slipped out the back entrance and walked toward the gardens. The night was cool. Stars scattered across the sky like someone had thrown diamonds. The sound of crickets filled the silence.
I couldn't stop replaying what happened earlier. The kiss. His hands. The way he'd looked at me when we were alone with the deer. Like I was the only thing in the world that mattered.
Then at dinner, he'd barely looked at me. Sat next to Cecilia. Acted like nothing happened. Like he hadn't had me pressed against a wall just hours before.
I hated it. Hated the pretending. Hated watching him with her. Hated myself for caring.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Cassie's name on the screen. I answered immediately.
"Hey."
"Finally. I've been trying to reach you all day." Her voice was warm. Familiar. Exactly what I needed right now.
