Page 96 of Override

Rachel's voice softens. "We love you, you know."

The words steal the air right out of my lungs. Not because I've never heard them before. Because she means them. Completely. Without hesitation. Without conditions. The same way Matt does. The same way the others do.

I stare into the fire for a long moment. Then finally ask the only question that matters. "Why?"

Rachel's answer comes immediately. Because she doesn't have to think about it. "Because you're ours."

The simple certainty in her voice almost hurts.

She smiles gently. "We love you exactly how you are."

My throat tightens unexpectedly. And I suddenly understand why Callum calls these moments dangerous. Because kindness always has been.

Rachel nudges my shoulder lightly. "You don't need to become somebody else." The fire crackles between us. Warm against the cool spring night. "You just need to find someone who looks at you the same way we do."

The words settle somewhere deep inside my chest. Heavy. Hopeful. Terrifying.

Because the first person who comes to mind has red hair. And a smile I haven't stopped thinking about for weeks.

Chapter 19

Maeve

The morning after the music, I find myself sitting on the balcony with a cup of coffee growing cold beside me.

The estate is quiet. Not peaceful. Quiet. There is a difference.

Peace feels like my father's office while rain taps against the windows and he pretends not to notice when I steal half the candy from the dish on his desk.

This feels like waiting.

The spring air brushes softly against my skin as I stare out across the grounds below. Somewhere, security patrols move through their usual routes. Gardeners work near the far hedges. Staff drift silently through the estate behind me.

An entire house full of people. And somehow I still feel lonely. The realization settles heavily in my chest.

I take another sip of coffee and immediately wrinkle my nose.

Cold. Perfect. Exactly how my week is going.

My gaze drifts toward my phone resting on the small table beside me.

Immediately I look away.

No. Absolutely not.

The temptation has become embarrassing.

Every time something happens. Every time Ronan ignores me. Every time I feel trapped inside this house. My mind drifts toward the text thread.

Toward Taibhse. Which is ridiculous. Dangerous.

And honestly a little pathetic.

I don't know his name. I don't know his face. I don't know where he lives. I don't know—My eyes narrow.

I slowly lower the coffee cup. A horrible realization hits me. I don't even know if he's a man.

I stare at the phone. Then blink. Then stare some more.