The words were barely out of her mouth when Lucas Lockwood's arm instantly tightened around her. A muffled groan rumbled in his throat—an unconscious plea for her to stay.
Josie let out a soft sigh and began to pry his arm from her waist, inch by inch.
Her movements had already woken Lucas Lockwood.
He opened his eyes to the sight of her graceful figure, but every elegant line of her silhouette radiated a resolute, detached coldness.
His hand slowly clenched into a fist. When Josie finished dressing and turned to look back, he feigned sleep, shutting his eyes once more.
He didn't open his eyes again until he heard the door click shut, his gaze fixed on it.
'Cece, wait for me. I'll consolidate the safe zone's forces as quickly as I can. Wait for me, I'll come find you!'
As she stepped out of the stairwell, the cool morning wind, damp with dew, rushed to meet her. Josie subconsciously pulled her jacket tighter.
She had only taken a single step before she froze.
