't meant to

g corridor, he heard Elias's voice - low and q

nything," Elias said.

n usual. "And what do you th

st out of sight,

said, more defensively no

ere. Just... make sure you're not holding

her the ache in his che

be

an envelope slipp

ed note in nea

let's go somewhere open.

d at it for

t that single let

prised to find the estate's green

the glass ceiling. And Adrian - casual for once, sleeves rolled, j

ou'd come," Adri

e drink but d

tening to the rustle of leaves and the

ds me of you," Ad

Because it's hum

se it's private. And yet e

hut El

note because I wanted to stop you from leaving. I

o you think

n was

red. Of what's changin

down. "You th

dmitted. "Especi

rply, almost spi

shoul

o l

stretched between them like

ck. "You can't say th

ay it," Adrian said

t's the

wallowed

t know how to f

ing the kitchen floor - something t

didn't you?" s

up. "What are yo

In the gr

s fr

don't lie to yourself about it. That boy's fire and you're ac

ng. But his hand

ck in his study, staring

opened it

e c

wanted to say something

him leav

a barged into the breakfa

ms? And why was Elias in the greenhouse yes

"I asked him to hel

"You're unusually invested

pond. But Clariss

rian. I know that

t look i

had when he fell fo

d Adrian in

reful. Secrets in this house h

Elias receiv

ound notebook with a gold cl

u don't feel safe speaking. No one

r the gold clip. For a

x gently and tucked i