Fraud

“You look pale, Ivy. Are you feeling all right?”

Turning to look out the window, I reach for those streamers of sunlight again. I need them right now. Their warmth. The serenity of bright patches breaking through the rolling clouds.

Now I have an idea of why Ta

“No,” I answer, my voice shaking more than I’d like. “I’m suddenly not hungry.”

“Is it something I said? We can go somewhere else, if you’d like. Just tell me what you want to do.”

I want to run.

I know that.

If what Ta

The only problem is I can’t be sure.

Not yet.

Not until I talk to Gabriel.

There are only a few days left before our date. I can plan in the meantime. Prepare.

And if this is about what I think it is, then I’m about to leave for an extended vacation.

But not before I find out for sure.

And not until I’ve reminded the Inferno just who it is they’re dealing with.

Glancing at Ava, I round my shoulders and smile. “Actually, I’m feeling a little better. We should still do lunch. And while we eat, you can tell me everything you know about Gabriel and the Inferno.”