Page 38 of The Fates We Tame

She’s warm, soft, and utterly delicious.

I want more of her.

But gently, I pull away because time isn’t on our side.

Her cheeks are pink, her eyes wide. “I’m looking forward to some more of those fake kisses later. But now we have to do something more important. We need to get out of here. Today.”

10

SOPHIA

“Theo, this all feels a bit…wild,” I say, even as my heart beats traitorously for another of those kisses.

“Best plans…often are,” Theo says, standing up before pressing a kiss that feels like heaven and protection to my forehead. He ruthlessly shoves his laptop, book, and a handful of his clothes and things from the bathroom into a backpack. “We need to travel light. We’ll go to your room so you can pack a bag while I make a couple of calls.”

He takes off his hoodie, puts his leather cut on, then puts his hoodie back over the top.

It takes us a few minutes to walk the hallways to my room. It’s not odd for someone to be carrying a bag. I often carry one when I go to the pool so I can use the large showers and facilities down there.

I let us into my room and start to think about practicalities. If I can’t take all my clothes, I need to be smart about what I do take.

“Wow, you really made your room look nice and homey.” Theo strokes my lower back as he puts his bag down. The action sends a little shiver down my spine.

“It makes a difference to my mood.”

I look at the comfortable armchair I had delivered. The burnt orange pillows and throw add a pop of color. The plush cream rug I added next to my bed.

“You’ve got an eye for it. Now go pack.” He then pulls out his phone. “Niro,” he says. “I need help.”

I should probably change clothes into something more durable, warmer clothes for travel.

“Get us out of here,” Theo continues. “You and Cat. One bike, one truck but with the cover over the back. Some padding in the truck bed if you can for Soph to lie on.” There’s a pause, and I look up at Theo, who smiles softly. “Yeah, we’re busting out of the joint.”

I hear ayee-hawso loud, Theo has to move the phone away from his ear momentarily.

I rush to the bathroom but stumble in my haste. “Careful, Sparrow,” Theo says. “ETA sixty minutes. We have time.”

He returns to his conversation with Niro, asking him to grab some medication on the way, and I close the bathroom door. Placing my hands on the vanity, I study myself in the mirror. My cheeks are pale, even paler against the black eye patch I replaced before we left Theo’s room.

Am I leaving one danger for another?

Am I being reckless?

Will this start a war?

I’m about to run with a man whose last name I don’t know, even though I know his club and my family could be at odds.

The world starts to spin a little, so I sit down on the floor and lean back against the cupboard while I catch my breath. I catch my shoulder on the knob and gasp.

The door pushes open. “Soph, are—shit. Text me when you get here,” he says, then ends his call. “Hey, are you okay?” Theo asks.

I shake my head.

“What’s going on?” He crouches next to me and runs a hand on my thigh.

“Am I being foolish for trusting you? Are you being foolish for trusting me?”

He’s so very attractive up close. There’s a ring of amber around his hazel pupils, and his skin is flawless. He moves the outer dial on his watch several clicks, then sits down opposite, his back to the wall, and stretches out his legs like we have all the time in the world.