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She lowers her gun to her sides, eyeing me curiously. “Why?”
I place my hand on my hip with irritation seeping into my neck, but I need to play it cool. “I parked my car all the way on the other side of the school, and I don't have time to get to it. Your truck is right there.” I point to the door, not taking my eyes from her.
She starts wiping the gun again, her stare still at me. “You know, we have to leave once Ronan arrives.” She checks the large black clock hanging above the front door. “Which I’m sure is in another hour or two.”
I chew on the inside of my mouth.I’ll be back before then, I’m sure.
“I won't be long.” I wiggle my fingertips for her to give me the keys.
She stops mid-wipe again. Her eyes are full of questions that I’m not going to answer. And she knows it. She breaks contact, letting out a little sigh. “You know he’s not going to be happy when he sees you’re not here,” she says as she digs into her under black jean jacket.
I lick my lips, a little flurry of worry entering my body. “I’ll handle that.”
What I really want to say is: I’ll handle the consequences. I also know this mission is important, and I would never do anything to hinder us from executing the plan. That’s why I need to deal withthembefore they deal with me.
She pushes the keys into the back of my hand with a dry smirk. “Don’t fuck up my truck, Cinderella.”
I ball the keys into my fist tight as I walk back. “Thank you. You’re...”the best.
But I squint my eyes with a stiff smile. “Still a bitch.” I spun around with a smile on my face, knowing she would rather that than something sentimental.
She huffs with a laugh as her cloth goes flying at me. I dodge it by flying through the door, shutting it behind me.
***
Ipull up at the backof the library. The truck is black like Ronan's, blending in perfectly with the black mood. The night sky has come, busting with dark blue hues and white clouds masked as gray and black painted with stars creeping in. I haven’t been here in what feels like forever.
It took about thirty minutes to get here, so I should be back at GenCre in no time. Before Ronan notices.
I roam my eyes around the area; it's empty, only with Mal’s truck. Maybe they didn’t comehere. I’m not surprised that they found me—of course Oliver told them. For that reason, I'm not sure if I should prepare myself for the blows or stop overthinking and check the damn library.
I suck in a scattered breath through my teeth, opening up the door. Time to put on my big girl panties—preferably laced—and see for myself. I'm instantly punched by the brick of breezes swooping into my neck and down my back. I bunch my shoulders; I’m happy I wore my scarf and gloves this time. Now I'm wishing I had Ronan’s thick ass coat.
I shut the door and head up to the back entrance of the brick building, passing a half full city dumpster and pothole before arriving at the door. My eyes skate around naturally, my ears perked for noises, looking for any shadows lurking behind the bushes.
Nothing.
I stand there, my hands digging into my coat pocket to fetch the keys. Even though I haven’t been back here in a while, I was provided the opportunity to keep a spare key in case I decided to come back to work here.
As I level the key to the keyhole, I pause briefly, my instinct leading me to check the knob first. It turns easily, answering my assumption. I should feel relief, but I don’t. It only signifies that they are here.
Expecting me.
With clammy hands sweating beneath my leather gloves, I open it further. I reach for my dagger; I’m not afraid of them, and they won’t hurt me. This just makes it more fun and exciting. I need some excitement before I’m shoved back into a world that makes me sick to my stomach.
I step my boot into the doorway; thankfully, there are no chimes on top, making my presence unnoticeable.
Wait.There’s no chime.My pulse picks up, and my feet dig into the library carpet. Doesn’t matter, I'm sure they see me coming from a mile away. I reach to the side where there’s a light switch exactly as soon as I stroll in. I glance around the room, flicking on the switch.
Nothing. Again.
Crap. Without looking back, I shut the door with a soft click, then I step to the side. The inside is pitch black. The only light that shines through is the moonlight’s glow, leaving eerie silhouettes of the shelves creeping on the wall.
I dive between two long, narrow shelves, the hair on the back of my neck standing. Confirming it again.
I stroll slowly through, my eyes catching anything as I skim through the opening of the unleveled book heights.
It’s so dark and eerie, almost like a horror film. A movement slides behind me, quick and fast. I whip my head around, only to see the figure sauntering by in the shadows. My eyes widen as I hurry my steps to the front.