I have just a few hours before my bride-to-be touches down. A few hours until I have to don the mask and play the game. Octavia has no clue what is in store for her here, but I know she isn’t stupid. She knows she’s flying right into danger, right into my hands.
I check over the foyer one last time, making sure everything is in order before exiting the new home. I’d had it built a few months ago, not knowing how this would play out but knowing I had to make it work. Because if it didn’t…
There’s no use thinking about that.
Failing is out of the question.
Slipping down the front steps, I ignore the car waiting in the driveway. There’s no need for it. I yank my shirt over my head, tossing it to the side. My pants follow, left behind in the soft grass. Changing is painful. My bones crac
