Page 37 of Don’t Look Down

“What is it?” he asks.

Faraday looks between the two of us. “You weren’t answering your phone,” he explains. “One of the staff said they saw you come out this way.”

I quickly scan the gardens but don’t see anyone else out here. But that doesn’t mean no one else could’ve spotted Beau leave and knew I was still out here.

God, when did I become so paranoid?

Probably when you kissed someone you’re not supposed to.

Beau fishes his phone from his back pocket. “Sorry, I had it on silent. Did you need something?” he asks, a bite in his tone.

Faraday doesn’t seem to mind. He adjusts his glasses. “We need to get going. You have a meeting with the marketing team for the upcoming football tournament you’re hosting.”

Beau nods quickly, running a hand through his hair. “Right, right. Give me ten minutes.”

“We’ll be late⁠—”

“I don’t care,” Beau snaps. He quickly regains his composure and lets out a sharp breath. “I just need a few minutes. Okay?”

Faraday gives Beau a look I can’t quite read, but he turns and exits the garden without another word.

Beau hangs his head and mutters something I can’t catch.

“What was that?”

His face is drawn tight when he straightens up. “I said I’m a bastard for snapping at him like that.” He laughs humorlessly. “I’m sure I’ll get a lecture from him later on it.”

“Do you think he’ll tell Lock he saw us out here?” He is a member of the Crown, after all.

A deep frown creases his forehead. “For one, what would even say he saw? The two of us talking? And two, Faraday’s loyalty resides with me, and me alone.”

“You’re sure?”

“A guilty conscience seems to be weighing on you.” He folds his arms across his broad chest. The fabric of his shirt stretches taut over his muscles. “And I don’t appreciate you questioning Faraday’s integrity.”

I sigh, holding my hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t, especially not with everything you’ve told me about him. I—I’m just a little jumpy ever since that night.”

“Because you’re scared of him finding out?”

“Aren’t you?”

He toes his brown leather shoes in the gravel. “Not particularly.”

Indignation flares. “What?”

“It would be inconvenient for him to find out, as I’m sure I’d get a tongue lashing from him and my parents alike. But… in the end, it might be worth it.”

Rocks crunch as he steps toward me. One step closer, two steps. The distance begins to close. I should walk away. Or at the very least, move back with each move he makes like I did before.

But my feet have grown roots like the trees around, and I stay put.

“It wouldn’t be worth it,” I whisper, heart racing.

He slowly shakes his head. “It would be if I got what I wanted.”

It can’t be me. It just can’t.

“You can have any girl you want. There’s not the same pressure for you as there is for your brother.” I’m supposed to be his.