Page 36 of Dustwalker

Before her thoughts took another dark turn, she forced herself toward the bed. Her day had started early, and her encounter with Devon had set the tone for the rest of it—the rainstorm and loss of the ring, the ups and downs with Ronin…

Their last fight had left her physically and mentally exhausted.

She pulled back the blanket and tested the bed’s softness with a hand. Would she even be able to sleep in this strange place, on this cushy thing, knowing she was on the wrong side of the wall?

Glancing at the light switch near the door, she paused, taking her lower lip between her teeth.

Too tired to go back and turn it off.

Or so she told herself.

Guess I’m too tired to call my own bullshit, too.

She lay down and pulled the blanket up to her chin. The bed gave way beneath her, cradling her body, enveloping her in softness and warmth. She didn’t remember closing her eyes before weariness claimed her.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Lara woke to rumbling in her stomach. Scowling, she pressed a hand to her belly. Just a little longer, then she’d get up and start her day. The scrap wasn’t going anywhere. She only needed a few more minutes away from the real world…

As she rolled onto her side to go back to sleep, she realized her normally hard, lumpy pallet was too soft and had a strange, clean smell.

She opened her eyes, squinting as the blurriness cleared from her vision. Sunlight filtered in through the window coverings, falling in thin lines over the shaggy floor and brightening the white walls.

Lara sat up with a start. The blanket fell to her lap as she gazed around the room that was most definitely not her shack.

There was her bag on the floor, and there was the dresser with her treasures arranged atop it. The door was closed and locked.

Her heartbeat slowed as she remembered where she was.

Ronin.

Flipping the blanket aside, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, stood, and walked to the window, delighting in how the fuzzy floor tickled her toes. She moved the curtain, pushed down some of the plastic slats, and peered out. The trees across the street swayed in the breeze. She’d never known they could be so tall or have so many leaves. Beyond them, the green grass stretched on and on into eternity.

Puddles on the road reflected the hazy sky. Most of the moisture must’ve dried up in the sun, which was alreadyhigh and bright.

How late had she slept?

Her stomach twisted on itself, reminding her it was empty. After all she’d eaten the night before, how could she be so hungry?

She went to the dresser and finished off all the leftover food except a strip of dried meat. That, she wrapped up tight and put in the bottom drawer. Not the best hiding place, but it was better than nothing. Her next meal was never guaranteed.

Padding to the door, Lara pressed her ear to it and listened. There were no sounds from beyond.

Was Ronin up? Was he even home?

“Don’t be such a coward,” she muttered.

They had a bargain, and she couldn’t hide from him all day. Sooner or later, he’d come knocking, and she would have to pay up. Who was she to say he wouldn’t break down the door if she pulled that stunt again?

Unlocking the door, she cracked it open and peered into the hall. Ronin’s bedroom was open, but he was nowhere to be seen. She hurried into the toilet room and locked the door behind her.

After relieving herself and washing her hands, Lara studied her reflection in the mirror, frowning at her hair. It was a mess.

Since when do you care?

Lara frowned.

She usually didn’t. But right now, being in this house, standing in this pristine room, she felt wholly out of place.