Page 147 of Dance of Thorns

I picked off every scab. Showed him every goddam scar. Opened every vein.

I didn’t think it was possible to love another person as much as I loved him last night, when I bared my completely naked, bruised, and scarred soul to him.

But then I woke up and realized I loved him even more this morning.

I probablyshouldhave stayed in bed with him all day, just to sleep. But there are still major questions that Ineedanswers to, even if they hurt.

That’s why I find myself staring up at the front of my dad’s house.

Ihave tofind out what my father knows about, well,me. Does he know he had another daughter? Does he truly think I’m Dove?

I shiver.

And why was I told my whole life that my mother died giving birth to me, when I’ve seen video proof that she didn't?

I climb the steps to the front door and ring the bell. Melinda opens the door, looking surprised and startled to see me.

“Oh!” She blinks quickly. “I’m sorry, Dove, I wasn’t expecting you.”

I smile, my lie falling easily from my lips. “Sorry, I was nearby and thought I'd drop in.”

“Of course,” she says, stepping aside. “Please, come in.”

“Is he home?”

He is. I’ve been sitting in Bane’s car for the last hour just down the street, watching the house, waiting to make sure I saw my dad in the windows.

“Yes.” She smiles her usual quiet, reserved smile at me. “I was just going to make him some coffee and bring it to his office. Would you like some as well?”

I nod. “Thank you, that’d be great.” Then my brow furrows. “Hey, Melinda?”

She turns back. “Yes?”

“I, uh…” I frown. “I’m sorry, I have to ask. Is everything…okay…with you?”

She gives me a politely puzzled look.

“I was in the apartment downstairs yesterday,” I say quietly, my face burning. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have just gone in. But I was looking for something in…” I gulp. “In Lark’s old room. I, um…your bedroom door was ajar, and?—”

Finally, she smiles. “Oh, dear, I’m sorry. You saw the mess.”

“Y-yes. Is everything okay?”

She laughs a small, somewhat stale laugh, which is standard for her.

“Yes, of course. I apologize if you were worried. I get into these reorganization moods, and I’m afraid I become a bit of a whirlwind.”

Okay,thank God.

She smiles a little more broadly and actually takes one of my hands in hers. “I appreciate you checking in with me, though.”

I exhale nervously. “I’m not going to lie, I was kinda freaked out. It looked like someone had ransacked your room.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “No, nothing sinister, I promise.” She smiles again. “Come, I’ll see you to your father’s study.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Melinda and her perma-Downton Abbey vibe.

Dad looks up from his desk, his brows furrowing when he sees me.