Page 34 of A Thief to Die For

My skin prickles. Do not look there.

But he seems to know the temptation I’m resisting as the intensity in his gaze increases. Energy sparks and builds between us, and I feel it low in my stom–

My breath hitches, and I break our stare, turning my head away.

‘Time,’ the Commander says.

I’m breathless as I study my lap, recovering. What was that? What just happened?

‘My turn,’ Agatha says eagerly. ‘Ready?’

Ryland takes a big drink from his cup before turning to her.

Agatha smiles as their gaze meets, and Ryland grins in return. I don’t know why but watching them suddenly feels like staring at the sun. They laugh at the uncomfortableness. Agatha cringes. It couldn’t be more different from when Ryland did this with me. No deadly standoff. Nothing but fun. Agatha bites her lip, her eyes growing wide as she fights the polite need to look away. Then suddenly her gaze jerks to the wall. She loses. ‘Oh, no,’ she cries in laughter. ‘I didn’t mean to do that.’

‘Yes, well, I don’t think anyone’s surprised,’ mutters Atlas.

I grab my goblet and chug down the need to punch him in the throat.

‘Marian, take Ryland to the lake for his prize,’ Atlas says, dismissing us. ‘Agatha, you can go to bed.’

I rise from the table, eager to make my escape.

‘Thank you for the evening, Commander,’ Ryland says carefully. ‘I look forward to discussing business tomorrow. And Agatha, pleasure to meet you.’ Then his footsteps follow me from the cavernous room.

Guardsmen stare as I speed out of the compound. I must look ridiculous in this old-world dress. Even Soren, standing guard with Diggs, openly watches me. His gaze snaps to Ryland, who’s calling my name, trying to catch up.

I’m tempted to break into a sprint. At the hitching post, I bolt left. Almost there.

‘Are we not going to the waterfall?’ Ryland asks when he’s only feet behind me.

It’s annoying how much longer his stride is than mine. ‘We are not going anywhere together.’ I reach the next corner of the compound, leading to the back. Another hundred steps or so and I’ll be below my bedroom window – my preferred passageway to it, avoiding both people and the winding maze of the compound.

‘Wait. Wait. Wait,’ he says, appearing before me, forcing me to stop.

His urgency seems to evaporate at having my attention, and it’s like he’s seeing into me again. Peeling layers back.

Something flutters in my chest, until I remember he’s threatened to ruin my life. Why do I keep forgetting that? I wait another couple of seconds for him to speak. ‘Okay, nice chat. Good night.’

‘Wait!’ he says, stepping with me as I try to leave. ‘Where are you going?’

As if that’s any of his concern. I cross my arms. ‘What’s the name of your settlement, Ryland?’

His mouth opens, and for some reason he looks like he might actually answer.

‘Don’t tell me,’ I snap. ‘I’m trying to prove a point.’

His forehead creases.

‘Where you live is none of my business. And where I’m going is none of yours. I’m not doing this – taking you to the lake. You know why? Because you’re not supposed to be here. Please don’t follow me.’

‘Okay, but can I say something first? Your father … how he acted in there. He’s a real bully sometimes, isn’t he?’

‘Don’t call him that.’

‘Oh.’ His face pinches. ‘I’m sorry. It’s just at dinner, I got the impression you might not … approve of the way he –’

‘I don’t approve. I meant, don’t call him my father. He absolutely is a bully.’