Page 122 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

I had married him to save my soul, but what if all I did was condemn his?

Turning away from the window, I clipped the lead onto Atlas’s halter, then undid the cross ties.

“What do you think? Did I save or condemn us all?”

He nudged my stomach, leaving a damp nose print behind.

“I was clean. Thanks for that. I’m going to count your vote in the save column.”

God, I hoped he was right. Because if anything happened to Goran because of me, I wouldn’t ever be able to breathe again.

Chapter

Thirty-Three

KAYLANI

As soon as I got off the phone with Nathaniel, I went straight for Dylan. Goran wanted to come, but after my last discussion with the jerk, I decided it was best if he stayed back and let me handle this alone. Him killing Dylan was a real possibility.

The Winterton house was too quiet for a place so large. I was so used to guards and other staff wandering the property twenty-four-seven. It felt more like a mausoleum than a home.

The sun was just beginning to set, and the vibrant red sky promised a fabulous day tomorrow.

I pressed the doorbell and waited. A woman I didn’t recognize opened the door

“Hello, how can I help you?”

“Hi. Sorry to bother you. I need to speak to Dylan.”

“Please wait here, I will fetch him for you,” she said with a curt nod. Leaving the door open she walked away.

Stepping inside, I didn’t bother closing the door and stood awkwardly for him to arrive. The light from the chandelier glittered on the walls. I waited a solid two minutes before I heard footsteps approaching.

Dylan turned the corner, wearing an unsettling smirk on his face that made my skin crawl.

“Are you not coming in? The guest room has been cleaned for you.”

“No. Not tonight.”

Confusion flickered across his features, and his eyes narrowed.

He waved a hand toward the sitting area. “Would you like a drink?”

I shook my head, staying firmly on the threshold. Close enough to feel polite, but far enough to remind him I wasn’t prey.

“No, I’m fine. I won’t be long. I wanted to let you know that we’ll be leaving tomorrow at first light, so we’ll stay in the trailer tonight.” I held out a white envelope with the rest of the agreed-upon cash. “Here is what I owe you.”

His brow lifted slightly.

“That’s sudden.”

“Not really. You’ve been generous. I appreciate it, but I was always looking for a long-term arrangement. One that I control.”

“This feels more like you’re running again.”

His voice stayed even as he took the envelope from my hand, but the dig was clear.

“I don’t run,” I said, folding my arms.