Page 128 of Lawton

"Yeah." I dug into the pocket of my jeans and pulled out her car keys. I held them out in her direction.

She stared at the keys, but made no move to take them. "I don't understand."

"Yeah. Whatever." I stood. "Besides, I've gotta go someplace, too."

It was a hint and not very subtle.Just get the hell out, already.

Slowly, she got to her feet. "Where?"

Where did I have to go? Shit, I didn't know. Away from her, that's where. Still, I heard myself say, "Downstairs. There's something I've gotta check on."

Like my sanity.

"Fine." She squared her shoulders. "I'm coming with you."

I gave her a long, cold look.Trust me. You don't want to do that.

But from the look on her face, she did.

She was making a mistake. A big one. But hey, it wasn't up to me to save her. Not this time.

"Suit yourself." I let my gaze drift rudely down her body. "Long as you take off your clothes."

She drew back. "What?"

"You heard me."

"What the hell?" Her voice rose. "I'm not getting undressed just to go downstairs."

"Alright. Then you're not coming downstairs." I made a sound of disgust. "What's the big deal anyway? It's not like I haven't seen it all before."

She stared at me. "What's the hell's wrong with you?"

"Nothing. But seriously, what's the big deal?"

"Do I really have to spell it out?"

"Apparently."

"Well, for starters," she said, "it's weird. And you're acting funny.That'sthe big deal."

"If you say so."

She made a point of looking atmyclothes – jeans a black T-shirt. Her tone grew snotty. "Are you getting undressed too?"

"You want me to?" I twisted my lips into a smile. "Just say the word, baby, because youknowI'd do anything for you."

At this, she actually blushed. An act? Or the real thing? Who knew? Who cared?

My muscles were tight, and my fists were clenched. But when I spoke, my voice was a lot calmer than I'd expected. "It's your choice, Chloe."

Her gaze narrowed. "What's down there, anyway?"

For her? There was nothing. For me? There was the chance to get at the truth, once and for all. I wouldn't have to wait, and I wouldn’t have to wonder.

Fuck's Bishop's plan. What did he know? Nothing. He'd been in love exactly once, and he'd messed up worse than I had.

Chloe was still waiting. I recalled her question. What was down there? I gave her a cold smile and said, "Looks like you'll never know."