Page 89 of The Vixen

Aiden lowers the paper but struggles to meet my eyes. “Of course not.”

I just stare at him. His cheek twitches like there’s bad news to deliver, and at a less victorious time, maybe I’d encourage him.

I take a step back and go to shut the door but freeze when Aiden flattens a palm on the wood.

“Head Keeper,” he starts, his tone somehow both firm and nervous. “Forgive me if this isn’t my place, but I think you should know, Mr. Hansley hasn’t eaten the last three meals I’ve brought him. Today, he declined his walk. In general, he seems less … chatty.”

My heart thumps. Its pace picks up for a few beats before returning to normal.

Sawyer… I haven’t spoken to him in days. Not since the night of the dinner.

Every time I pass his room, I make my steps lighter. Every time I cave into hunger and go to the kitchen, I have to remind myself he isn’t allowed outside our quarters. He’s no longer permitted anywhere outside of the library and his room, per Thorne’s orders. The exception is daily walks supervised by Aiden.

I could have convinced Thorne to loosen his hold on Sawyer’s leash, but if I’m honest, I was relieved.

The last interactions we’ve had were too intimate. The way he looked when he kissed me goodnight was so sincere, I almost fell for it. I amveryclose to falling for it.

I’ve revealed too much. I’ve said too much. I’ve let him kiss mefartoo much.

“You think he’s faking depression?”

Aiden’s frown deepens. “I don’t think he’s faking anything, Your Grace.”

Then you’re blind, I want to say but don’t. How ironic would it be to chastise Aiden for being deceived by Sawyer? A dunce educating a fool.

“Thank you, Aiden. You may go.”

His feet shuffle, but he doesn’t immediately leave. I swing the door the rest of the way shut just as his mouth opens.

Stepping away from the door, I run a hand through my hair and let out a low sigh. My legs ache from sitting, and as I roll my shoulders and stretch to the side, I realize Sawyer isn’t the only one who declined his daily walk. It’s been two days since I’ve gone on a run. If I don’t get out of here soon, it’ll be me Aiden voices his concerns about.

Gathering my hair on my head, I spin it into a tight bun before changing into black tights and a hooded sweatshirt.

Once dressed, I shut down my computer and head out the door, more certain with every step that it’s the right decision. I secured a hundred million dollars today with the promise of another three hundred million. I’ve earned the break.

When I reach Sawyer’s room, I slow to a stop. My teeth scrape along my bottom lip while I weigh Aiden’s words. I should give themnocredit. In all likelihood, Sawyer is faking melancholy to get me to check on him. I’d be stupid to give in. I’d be as gullible as Aiden.

I start walking again and get all the way to the stairs before I stop a second time. It’s Thorne’s face that makes me pause,full of rage and vindication. He loves me. He respects me. But I couldn’t possibly blame him if he’s chosen to be cruel to his enemy. If potentially, he’s pushed too far. Sawyer deserves any and all wrath. A ship that sails into a storm has no right to curse the waves.

But then… I doneedthat ship. Regardless of what a fool I would be for following it into the storm.

I stand at the head of the stairs for a solid minute until finally, I turn and go back to his door. After a light knock, I crack it open.

A part of me hopes he’ll be at the window wiggling the bars, trying to learn my Keepers’ patterns in typical Sawyer fashion, but I don’t realize how big of a part until my lips sink at the sight of him lying in bed.

He’s on his back, one knee propped up while he strokes Cinder who’s curled against his side. Her soft purr and closed eyes never flinch at my presence.

When I flip on the light, he squints at me, and his non-petting hand shields his eyes.

“What are you doing?” My voice is sharp and accusatory, as if I caught him with a sheet hanging out the window.

“Taking a break… Am I not allowed to take breaks?”

My rigid posture comes into my consciousness, and the stiffness of my arms is suddenly uncomfortable. I cup my hands behind my back and wander toward the bed. “Aiden said you aren’t eating…”

“The food here sucks.”

No hesitation. His hand never stops petting Cinder. When I get to the edge of the bed, I tsk at her and allow my chest to fall when she uncurls herself from Sawyer and comes to me.