Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
She scoffed, not the least surprised. “That didn’t take long. Let me guess, Deja? My niece doesn’t know how to keep her mouth shut. She never does.”
I mirrored her stance, crossing my arms over my chest too. “I would’ve preferred honesty.”
She stepped closer to me. The click of her heels echoed throughout the entire foyer. “You’ve been here a week, Hennessy, and you’ve successfully managed to insert yourself into matters that don’t concern you.”
“It seems to me like I’ve stepped into a trap.”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” she bit.
“Oh, okay…” I held up a finger. “Your nephew tries to humiliate me today in front of half the school.” I held up a second finger. “My uncle lies to me.” I held up a third. “And every person I meet tells me there are rules I’m expected to follow, yet no one tells me why.” I smiled without a trace of humor. “And that’s just today. But I’m the problem?”
She looked at me the same way someone studies a crack in an expensive piece of glass.
Her patience snapped like a thread, and she spewed, “That attitude is exactly what destroyed your mother.”
Her words knocked the air from my lungs. “My mother? You know my mother?”
She regretted them immediately, cautiously replying, “Unfortunately.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You’re not meant to.”
“What does that mean? Why does everyone speak in code around here?”
“Hennessy…” She hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts, and I noticed.
“I highly suggest you forget what I just said.”
I frowned. “That’s like asking me to stop breathing.”
“Careful,” she warned. “That too can be arranged.”
What the hell?
She got right in my face. “You listen to me because I won’t repeat myself.”
Something in her voice rooted me to the ground I stood on.
“Stop following that curiosity of yours just because someone tells you no. Do you understand me?”
“That’s an impossible request.”
“Do not mistake our woods for your rainforest, little girl. They’re not just trees. They’re witnesses.”
“To what exactly?”
Her tone dropped a little, and she backed away from me. “If you insist on wandering into places you don’t belong in”—her gaze drifted toward the direction of the Devereaux estate—“then be entirely prepared to find what you’re looking for.” She eyed me up and down with a look of disdain and disappointment. “Before it finds you first.”
Not surrendering, I argued, “Is that a threat?”
“No, my darling girl.” She simply spoke with conviction, “It’s a promise.” She spun and left.
I stayed there for a few seconds, inhaling a deep breath. My stare also wandered to the Devereaux estate.
Did she mean those woods or my uncle’s?
I walked into my bedroom, throwing my backpack next to the ripped dress that hadn’t moved from the chair I left it in. I told the housekeeper I didn’t need them to clean my space and that I could handle it myself. I appreciated that they actually listened to me. They seemed to be the only ones who were.
I jumped in the shower, trying to wash away the unpleasant day, aware it was only the beginning of something I wasn’t prepared for. I was always a firm believer that water had the power to change your timeline. Standing beneath the steam felt calming.
The shower was big enough to fit an army, with jets splattering in all directions. The rainforest showerhead was my favorite part. I stood there, trying to pretend it was a waterfall cascading down on me. Once the fantasy wore off, I dried off with a towel, then changed into a pair of white cotton shorts and a white tank top.
This was what I normally wore at home. It was probably a little too revealing, but I was alone, and I knew I’d be for at least the rest of the night. Since it was getting a bit chilly, I grabbed an oversized hoodie next, feeling at home in my comfort clothes.
Twisting my long wavy hair into a messy bun, I slid a pencil through it to hold it up before sliding my phone into my hoodie pocket. Not bothering with any shoes or socks, I made my way back downstairs.
There was no second-guessing myself. I did what I wanted to do since the moment I stepped through the front door… I walked into the backyard. Nature had always been my happy place, and I refused to follow orders on something I felt so dear to my heart.
The stone steps led to an enormous pool and patio. It was picturesque with the sun setting perfectly over the horizon. The travertine stretched for what looked like acres, wrapping around an infinity pool that could have belonged to a luxury resort rather than someone’s home.
Water spilled over the edge, disappearing into an untouched forest. My gaze wandered farther down the cobblestone path where perfectly manicured gardens burst with roses, lavender, and other flowers extending for miles upon miles.