Page 113 of Holding Hope

There was a knock on the door and the sound of metal hitting each other as whoever was on the other side tried prying their way in.

“Clarke?”

Fuck, it was Delia. This had to put me somewhere high on the list of bad friends—right under the entirety of Andy’s friends from The Devil Wears Prada.

With a swift turn of her head, Avalon called out before Delia had the chance to open the door completely.

“Give us a moment, she’s coming.” She smirked at her joke and looked back to me, bending down to bite my neck. “Or she could stay and watch, I don’t mind.”

“Avalon!” I gasped, finally finding my voice. “I’ll be right out, Delia!” Turning my attention back to Avalon, I scowled. “I can’t believe you would suggest such a thing, sex in public is one thing, letting my best friend watch is another.”

With a quick peck to my cheek, Avalon detangled herself from me and shrugged. “It’s not so bad, it makes it more fun if we’re being honest.”

I picked up my discarded underwear and slid them over my hips before pulling my dress back into place.

“I think what we’re doing now is fun, don’t you?”

Avalon finished buttoning her shirt and combed her fingers through her hair. “I think anything with you would be fun.”

My face grew hot and I looked away, tucking a hair behind my ear. It was too easy for her to get to me, my body so readily reacted to her every word and action.

“So you really want to be here with me. Mood swings and snotty noses crying and all?” I pointed to the desk behind. “It’s not just some ploy to get back into my pants in almost public spaces?”I’d be a fool to say the thought hadn’t crossed my mind while she was fucking me, but I hadn’t wanted to let it ruin the moment.

Pulling her brows into a thin line, Avalon closed the distance between us and placed her hands on my waist. “I would be lying if I didn’t enjoy this benefit of you no longer wanting to hurt me, but no, Clarke; I really truly want to know you, to be known by you.”

She smiled softly and I did the same. “Someone’s got to take care of Clarke King, and I think it would be the privilege of a lifetime to spend the rest of mine trying.”

I looped my arms around her neck, closing the already small distance between us. “How have you never written your own music before? You’re a natural poet, Avalon Kennedy.”

A blush crept across the other girl’s face as she smiled. “Only when I’m around you it seems.”

Delia was a frantic mess—a complete contrast to the glowing bride she’d been only minutes earlier. Her hands flew as fast as her words, and Clarke and I had to practically jog to keep up with her.

“—and they said they’re moving them tonight. They’ll be in New Mexico by morning.”

Clarke grabbed her by the arms, grounding her. “Who, Delia? Who is being moved?”

“The horses, Clarke!” she burst out. “From the slaughterhouse. Colton’s been tracking Hanover’s movements, and he just got tipped off they’re being moved tonight.”

Her voice shook, panic bright in her eyes. “They’ll be dead by tomorrow night.”

“No.” Clarke stepped back, her face draining of color. “We were supposed to have more time. We needed more time.”

Delia blinked, confusion overtaking her panic. “You knew about this? You and Colton? What does Ethan know? Does she—” She jabbed a finger at me.

I held up my hands. “I’m going to be honest with you both—I have no idea what’s happening right now.”

Clarke shook her head. “I overheard them talking days ago. I wasn’t supposed to know what they were planning⁠—”

“What are they planning?” Delia demanded. “Clarke, what is my husband about to do?”

“We don’t have time for this.” Clarke brushed past her, snatching her keys off a nearby table. “If the shipment is moving tonight, Delia’s right—those animals will be dead by supper tomorrow.”

She stormed toward the barn. “I’m going to do something someone should’ve had the balls to do years ago.”

Inside the barn, Clarke was already unhooking her saddle from the wall, movements sharp and furious. There was a fire in her eyes I’d never seen before—wild, dangerous, righteous.

“What are you doing?” I asked, though the answer was obvious.