Page 72 of The Tracker's Revenge

Rosalina put a hand on top of ours, making us aware of the many eyes lingering on us.

“My condolences, Jacob,” she said in a gentle voice, dexterously extricating my hand from his and replacing it with hers. “If there is anything I can do to help, just tell me. I am so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, Rosalina. Very kind of you.” For the first time, Jake’s expression was sincere.

Next to him, Allison glared at me. She flicked her eyes toward the door through which people were exiting in a clear indication that it was time for me to leave. I swallowed the lump in my throat and left, willing myself to push away the frustration and hatred that Allison inspired in me.

For Jake. For Jake.

Once in the other room, Rosalina put a finger under my chin and guided my gaze to hers. “You did good.”

I’d been staring at the floor, my ears roaring as I did my best to calm down. For the first time, I became aware of my surroundings. People were milling about, talking in normal tones, and carrying little plates with cups of coffee or hors d’oeuvres. There was a long table at the back of the room, covered in a white tablecloth, and replete with finger foods. Next to the food, there was another table set up with a metal coffee urn. There was also a glass one filled with water and slices of lemon.

There was a freaking dead person in the next room and people were standing here eating?! What the hell?!

Suddenly, I felt claustrophobic. I glanced around and headed into the first door I spotted. I ended up in a small sitting room with two armchairs, a wooden table between them, and a round rug under foot.

Calm down. Calm down, Red.

I took deep breaths, staring out a window, focusing on the trees outside. My heart slowly went from pounding against my chest to a more acceptable knocking. After a few quiet moments, I turned to leave, but the door opened, and there was Jake.

He looked relieved as if he’d been looking for me, and it’d taken him too long to find me. Without a word, he took two strides in my direction and wrapped me in his arms. He buried his face in my neck.

“I can’t wait to get the hell out of here,” he said.

“I know.”

“Can I come to your place after this is over?”

“Of course.”

He pulled away, a hand caressing the side of my face.

Suddenly, without a knock, the door opened behind us. Allison slipped inside. The door handle clicked behind her as it engaged.

“Really?!” she said in a quiet but angry tone.

“Allison,” Jake began, but she cut him off.

“Spare me,” she spat. “I know what’s between you two, but do you have to be this obvious?” She shook her head, giving us anare you really this stupid?look. “You don’t see me sneaking out with Maxwell, do you? We have to keep appearances.”

Jake’s eyebrows drew together. “Maxwell?”

Allison rolled her eyes. “You reallyaredense.”

“Appearances?” I said, finally able to form words. “You mean...” I didn’t know how to put into words what I was thinking.

She walked over to one of the armchairs and collapsed in it. “I guess I’m glad youaresneaking around, even if you have as much sense as two baked potatoes. At least it served to prove my suspicions right.” Abruptly, she sat up and glanced between Jake and me, narrowing her eyes. “You twoarein love, right? This is not just some sort of hook up?”

Jake interlaced his fingers with mine, which seemed to serve as a response because Allison let herself relax back on the chair.

“Good. Good!” she said in an exhale. “This should make things a lot easier for all of us. By the way, I’m in love with Maxwell, just so you know.”

Jake nodded very slowly. “I had no idea.”

“Of course, you didn’t. I know what I’m doing. Your grandfather kept a constant eye on me. He certainly wasn’t fooled. Every time he saw me, he made sure to remind me of my responsibilities. He would sayJake can’t wait till the wedding day,” she huffed in a deeper voice. “I knowhecouldn’t wait.” She rolled her eyes. “No disrespect to the deceased, but he was just as obsessed as my father is about our pact.”

“Your father forced you into the pact, didn’t he?” I asked.