23If You Remember Nothing ElseVanessa already knows I’m here. I’m sure of it.
I creep anyway, ascending the veranda on the balls of my feet, cringing when the wooden stairs protest beneath my weight.
The door is ajar, beckoning me to slip inside.
I’ve had enough of bait. I don’t bite. Instead, I shake the dread from my hands and hover my finger over the doorbell.
“Tanzy!” Vanessa beams, swinging the door wide before I can ring. Her voice is like honey. Her eyes are eager and bright. “Welcome! I expected you hours ago. Rough trip?” Her eyes dart to my chest, where my mark is covered.
Anger swells between my bruised ribs. “Slight delay,” I reply, easing sarcasm into my tone. “Nothing we couldn’t manage.”
She lifts a brow and skims the property. I chastise myself for letting it slip I’m
