Page 46 of Shadows Within

“No,” I admit. “But I have to.”

“Because of the group?”

Silence.

I can’t correct her. I can’t lie.

Shadows paint Scarlett’s face as she turns toward me.

“So, what am I tonight? Your date? Your distraction?” I glance at her—quick, sharp, pained.

“You’re the only thing that makes this bearable.” The words hang between us like smoke. Unfiltered. Unrehearsed. Her lips part as she swallows. I can sense her heart, hammering against her ribs like it wants to escape.

“Callum…” She starts. I gently place my hand on her thigh, moving my thumb in slow circles. It’s gentle and grounding. I’m not sure if I’m trying to calm her or myself.

“You scare me,” I say.

Scarlett blinks. “Why?”

“Because I don’t know how to be what you need. But I won’t stop trying.”

I know she can feel it,right there, just under the surface. On the tip of my tongue lie the three words neither of us are damn brave enough to say. My feelings have grown into a need—the words are just an extension of that. But I can’t say them. Not here. Not now. Not with the whole world watching from the shadows.

“I don’t need you to be perfect,” she whispers. “I just need you to be honest.”

My jaw flexes. For a moment, I think about letting go and telling her everything. Instead, I slow the car down as its headlights catching the pillars of the estate ahead.

I don’t want to be here. Not with her.Maybe this wasn’t a good idea?I try to conceal the dread on my face. She doesn’t know what these people are capable of, and I never want her to find out.

Although this may be our first official date, I’ve watched Scarlett for years, studying her from afar and we’ve been inseparable for a while now. Tonight, everything changes.

I stop the car and turn to lock eyes with her. One hand still rests on her thigh, the other brushes her cheek.

“I need you to stay close tonight,” I quietly plead. “Promise me.” I won’t forgive myself if something happens to her.

Explosion

Scarlett

Callum shifts his car into park and the engine stops. He reaches over and unbuckles my seat belt. The silence between us is heavy, I can feel there is so much he isn’t telling me. He steps out of the car and walks around to my door, holding his hand out as he opens it. He does this every time we’re in the car together—such a small act of chivalry that makes me feel special.

My palm graces his as I get out of the car. I move closer to him. His fingers slowly caress the small of my back. The touch comforts me instantly.

The house looks like a Gothic manor, lit by the bright moon. Vines grow perfectly up each side of its dark stones. Flashing strobe lights peek through the tall windows and match the bass that vibrates under my feet as we inch closer to the red front door.

“Please,” Callum says.

I grab his hand and kiss it. My ‘Fire Engine’ lipstick smears against the top of his knuckles.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

He leans in, his hot breath hitting my pulsing neck. “You say that like you have a choice.”

I don’t expect him to introduce me to anyone. It’s not the kind of party where you sip champagne and make small talk over caviar. We’re here for one reason: he must make an appearance. I hope it’s a short one—large crowds make me anxious. Although tonight, I know I’m safe beside him.

Callum takes my hand and pulls me through a sea of people. Inside, the manor is elegant and matches Callum’s rich persona.Nothing looks out of place, even for a party. The glasses are perfectly stacked on one table with napkins neatly folded beside them. Everything has a purpose.

I don’t see anyone I know, until Harrison comes into view. He saunters toward us, holding a girl on his arm like an accessory. She looks familiar. I’ve most likely seen her at school before, but I don’t give it much more thought. A smile comes across my face but it’s not genuine. I rub my fingers against my palms by my side.