Page 202 of Sincerely, Butterfly

“Good luck.” Garrett grins through the open window.

“Thanks.” I smooth my hands over the night gown. “Oh, wait!” I take off my earrings and necklace, giving them to Callie. “I don’t want to lose these.” They did say to wear this gown and nothing else.

The two of them drive off, and I spin around to look up at the sign.

Taking in a deep breath, I murmur to myself, “Now what?”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-THREE

NOLA

A caw grabs my attention,and I grin when I see Skittles sitting on the wall a few feet away.

“What are you doing here?” I laugh. “You need to go home. Whatever is about to happen, you do not need to see Mama like that.” I shake my head. “No child should see their mother in that kind of situation. Now, go home.” I shoo him.

“Whore,” he squawks. “Our dirty little whore.” He flaps his wings and takes off.

I gape at him as I watch him leave. “Rude!” I shout. And then I realize what he just said. Oh god, he was there the night I told the guys everything. He saw it all, heard it all.

I’ve traumatized my baby for life!

I understand what he might be going through, but we’re going to have to have a conversation about appropriate words, and what to say and not to say to his mother!

Wrapping my arms around myself, I lean against the wall, waiting for… well, I don’t know. Are they already inside, or are they going to meet me out here?

Closing my eyes, I lean my head back against the wall.

The sound of footsteps has my eyes snapping open, and I nearly jump out of my skin.

“Holy fuck,” I gasp, my hand on my chest as my heart beats widely behind my ribcage. “You scared me.”

Steadying my breathing, I stare up at them as they just stand there, not saying anything. “Uh, you okay?” I ask, looking between the three of them.

They’re wearing their plague doctor masks and are dressed in jeans and T-shirts.

These are my guys, right? My attention drops to their arms, and my shoulders slump in relief. I know their tattoos better than anyone. It’s definitely them.

So why aren’t they saying anything?

“I’m digging this whole dark and mysterious vibe, I am, but a little guidance would be nice. Are we gonna go in there…” I hike a thumb over my shoulder. “Or just stand around here in silence?”

Nothing. Okay then.

Jasper moves, my eyes darting down to watch as he reaches into his jeans pocket and pulls out a piece of paper.

Wesley steps away and over to the gate. I watch as he opens the gate with a key, letting the heavy iron gate swing open with a squeak.

He stands there, arms crossed, like he’s waiting for something as he turns his attention towards me.

Right. The paper. Opening it, I let my eyes adjust to the dark as best they can. Squinting, I read the words on the paper.

Run. Try not to get caught.

That's all it says.

My heart kicks into gear, beating wildly. This time not in fear, but in excitement.