Page 99 of Pretty Vengeance

He wears black jeans and a black hoodie under a dark puffer coat. It’s not a typical outfit for him. He looks American.

I’m drawn to him like a matching magnet. Without regard for the way we left things, I hurry across the platform. “Jamie.”

He turns, and shock registers on his face. “Sauce. What are you doing here?” His using the nickname causes warmth to spread through me. There’s a part of me that just can’t seem to stop wanting him. His gaze flicks toward the tracks. “Did you just arrive?”

“Yes. From Boston. Like you.”

A stillness comes over him, and it’s hard to interpret. After a beat, he says, “How are you?”

“All right.” Exhaling a slow breath, I shrug. “Things really spiraled last night. I’m sorry for not?—”

“No.” His tone is firm. “More my fault than yours for rushing that conversation.”

“I was overwhelmed. I wish I’d been able to stay longer to talk.”

“You have a right to walk away from situations that scare you.” His thumb strokes his stubbled jaw. “I’m sorry for that. I thought you understood I wouldn’t hurt you. Or let anyone else do that either.”

Leaning back slightly, I let his blue gaze cut through me like a laser. “Now that things have calmed down, maybe we should talk?”

“Yeah, I’d like that, Sawyer. But I can’t right now.” He licks his lips and glances around. “I have to catch a train to Philadelphia for work. We’ll talk when we’re back at school, all right? How many days will you be in Connecticut?”

“Um, I’m not sure. I sent my teachers notice I’d be taking a week of bereavement leave. They all said it was fine to turn coursework in when I return. I think a week here will be long enough, but I’m sure they’d allow me to extend it, so I’ll see how things go.”

“A week,” he says. “And you’re staying at your dad’s house? Is that here in New Haven? Or elsewhere in Connecticut?”

“Yes, to my dad’s.” Studying his face, I try to work out why I feel something’s off. “What are you doing here in Connecticut?” I glance at the duffel bags he’s carrying.

“Just changing trains.”

“Why? There’s a direct route from Boston to Philly.”

“The direct was sold out.” His voice is smooth, despite the fact that he’s lying.

“I don’t think so,” I say softly. “I bought my ticket last minute and remember looking at the board. None of the New England routes were sold out.”

“Must have been a glitch.” His tone is casual.

My hand reaches out to clasp his. “It’s all right if you’re here to investigate.” My fingers squeeze for emphasis. “That’s why I’m here, too. I know it seemed like I was dismissing everything you said, but I promise I wasn’t. I just need to be sure. You can understand that, right? If I told you your dad did something unimaginable, wouldn’t you want to be sure?”

“Sawyer, I don’t want you digging into anything. You’ll ask the wrong thing and tip him off. When a man feels cornered, there’s no telling how he’ll react. What if it becomes dangerous, and you’re there with no one to protect you? No, I won’t allow it.”

Because it feels good when he’s protective, I offer him a small smile. “You won’tallowit?”

He blows out a breath and shrugs. “Seems I’m not ready to accept you’re not mine anymore. And, if I’m being honest, the connection I feel to you is maybe something that’s not going away for me. So, whether we’re together or not, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Now we’re crossing into territory that feels dangerous because he’s never put limits on how far he would go in eliminating a threat.

He leans closer, so I catch the scent of spicy shower gel and winter wind. “What if I came with you to the house? We could say I’m your boyfriend.”

“What about your work trip?”

“I’ll reschedule or get someone to cover for me. I’d be an asset, Sauce. Not just as protection, but because I can get into electronics you wouldn’t be able to access on your own.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. What if you lost your temper? And then he turns out to be innocent? I wouldn’t be okay with you hurting him.”

“I won’t lose control. You have my word.”

Staring up into his bright blue eyes, everything in me wants to trust him. “There are questions you’ve never answered, Jamie.”