Page 70 (1/1)

I go cold inside Like iceberg-freezing te me shiver "They hooked up? What exactly does that s "You know Lily The ter Plus, she said she passed out, so she’s not exactly sure what happened between her and Caden She does know they kissed, though She remembers that at least" Shesex with a guy who possibly had sex with our big sister

I know she’s thinking that because I’h, how Caden never mentioned it to me Not that I’d expect him to say, "Yo, I kissed your sister once," but he’s never said anything about knowing Lily I would think that should co conversations

"She has no proof he stole those earrings, right? She was drunk or high and passed out It could’ve been anyone who took the? And even if he did, one tie thief He probably grew out of it ItKids do crazy things when they lose their parents; they react in all sorts of nonsensical ways Violet sort of lost it ere teens Well, she had reason to lose it with that jerk she trusted who attacked her, but still

"It’s not just what he did to Lily, Rose It’s what he’s been doing for years He travels all over the place and steals from the wealthy Usually jewelry"

I’m incredulous Even if it were true, how in the world could she know this? "You’rethis up"

"Ryder’s asked around You know his past is … shady" Sheshe’s disgusted by his rough past to e of danger that still clings to hi Fleur in public appearances Theto it Whichever they prefer "He has connections People who’ve given him information about Caden"

"I don’t believe it"

Violet raises a brow "You should Ryder wouldn’t come to me with this information if he hadn’t confiret hurt"

"So what you’re saying is Caden could hurtis Caden is a known criht and is thrown in jail" She looks at me Really looks at me, as if she can see to the very depths of my soul, which she probably can because no one knows ood, the bad, and the really ugly "If you care for him--and I think you do--then yes, he’ll hurt you, Rose He’ll break your heart even if he doesn’twill put you at risk He steals froular Robin Hood?"

"Not even close Well, he gives to the poor only because he is the poor He has nothing"

"If he’s stealing expensive jewelry and using the ," I point out

"Maybe he uses the money to finance his lifestyle You have to admit, he certainly kno to look rich And act rich"

He doesn’t really dress expensively His shoes are average; he doesn’t own an expensive watch or … anything, really Yes, he came to the UK on a jet, but his friend is the owner of said jet, not Caden "He’s not overly excessive"

"Right Because he’s using you right now" The look on Violet’s face is nothing short of s for the hotel bill, hmm? Who’s paid for meals and entertainment? You?"

There hasn’t been much entertainone out for one out much The hotel is my expense--well, Daddy’s He told me to put it on the company credit card, so I did We’ve ordered plenty of roo froave myself a month to stay there and o back home or stay with Violet and Ryder

I really had no plan beyond getting back to the States and trying to continue seeing Caden I haven’t been thinking about the future It’s been freeing to let go and just live in the here and now But maybe I should have questioned hi on in Caden’s life rather than have Violet so gleefully tellhe’s told ? No, not beyond the story of his father’s death I really know nothing else about the man I know he has a ords I know I tremble every time he touches me I know I love the way he says my name every time he first enters me

"I’m just … worried about you, Rose," Violet says, her voice soft, her gaze full of concern I know she ry at her for butting in where she’s not wanted "I don’t want you to get hurt I want you to be aware of what you’re dealing with Who you’re dealing with"

"I knoho I’ the unease that wants to sink its sharp grip in rand love affair It’s a little fun while I’ else"