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“You’re worried the person you fall in love with could turn out like the woman who lives in the country.”

Christopher groaned, dragging a hand along his face. “Felicity, must we have this conversation?”

“Of course. This is your life we’re talking about! Even if you’ve never told me why, I’m smart enough to connect the dots. You can’t make a life changing decision because of her bad choices.”

“I understand your concern, but this doesn’t concern you. We don’t need to have this conversation. End of story.”

“Yes, we do! I’m your sister, and I want you to be happy. We need to talk about this.”

“Even if I agreed to have this conversation with you, which I haven’t, must it be here? Must it be now? This hardly feels appropriate!”

“If not here, if not now, then it will never happen!”

“I hardly see how that follows, and even if it did, then I don’t think that would be the worst thing in the world. In fact, it sounds more like a blessing.”

She pouted. “I know you don’t mean that. We both know my guidance would be invaluable.”

He snorted.

“And it follows because I have tried to broach the subject more times than I can count, but every time I try, you find a way to change the subject or slip away.”

“Then perhaps you should take the hint and let the matter rest. I am perfectly happy with things as they are.” He stepped past her. “Now, if you excuse me, I need a moment alone.”

“I thought you were going to meet with Am?—”

“Regardless of who I am meeting with, I need a minute after this ambush before I can handle it.”

“Ambush? I would hardly call this an ambush.”

“Perhaps because you were not on the receiving end.”

Christopher didn’t wait for her reaction, turning to go.

He couldn’t help but be relieved that she didn’t call after him as he pushed down the hall in search of Amber.

CHAPTER7

Amber sat on the sofa, long after Christopher was gone. She knew she shouldn’t keep him waiting but just couldn’t bring herself to move. Her heart pounded in her chest, stomach rolling. Her thoughts churned like the sea on a stormy night.

What could he possibly want?

Surely it couldn’t be anything good, could it?

Best case scenario he wanted to talk about the plan. That could be good if that was it. After all, they only had so much time, so sooner really was better.

But then again, it more than likely probably wasn’t anything nearly that simple.

She needed to think about the worst-case scenario and come up with an emergency plan.

Maybe he wanted to back out.

Amber let out a sigh at the thought. She couldn’t blame him if he did. She knew her plan was foolish at best and delusional at worst.

Still, she didn’t know if she could find an escape without him at this point.

But that didn’t matter. Her freedom wasn’t his responsibility.

She needed to figure out another plan. There had to be something else she could do.