Page 143 of Break Out the Girl

We’re running low on supplies again, but Tally doesn’t want to risk reaching out to his parents until the official decree comes through, meaning we are released.

I agree with him, otherwise Opal and Gareth could be on the hook for aiding and abetting.

I’d talked with Theo on the phone and she said another delivery of groceries and necessities would be headed our way today. Hopefully soon!

Through the narrow trailer window, I watch everyone else laughing and running around. Out in the muddy clearing, London, Tally, Basil, and Sky are having a tournament with makeshift catapults. They’ve lined up empty cans on a rotting log, and currently, Sky Haddad is completely annihilating the competition.

London lets out a loud cheer. “Good eye, Sky. It’s no lie!”

I want to be out there with them, I should be.

But I have a raging headache, and the fresh wave of my cramping turns my stomach into tight, miserable knots. My Godsdamn period is due any second. So instead of having fun, I’m wrapped in an extra sweater, feeling bloated and sorry for myself.

Fuck.

My.

Life.

The sound of a heavy engine tugs me out of my woes.

Who the fuck is that?

Dragging myself upright again, I see a sleek, dark SUV pull up. London is ushering Basil and Sky into the trees to be on the safe side. Good job, London.

Tally stands in the clearing, looking wary.

The car door opens, and the first thing I see is a pair of polished, expensive leather boots, followed by long legs in tailored pants.

François.

My heart stops, then starts again, along with my temper.

He’s dressed in a warm, dark wool overcoat, a cashmere turtleneck and designer black jeans. More runway model than runaway convict, that’s for sure.

“Someone got their groove back,” I mutter grumpily to myself. He nods to Tally then walks to the automatically-opening trunk, reaching in to pick up a large cardboard box.

Is he the one bringing Theo’s supplies? That’s a twist.

Though I guess it makes sense, seeing as he’s ‘safe’ and knows our location already.

Fucking awkward though.

London, Sky and Basil come out of the forest again as Tally intercepts François before he can take another step towards the trailer. I can't hear what they're saying, but the tension in their body language is obvious.

François, still holding the box, is speaking to Tally with an unyielding intensity. My wolf glances in my direction before finally stepping aside and letting François pass.

A couple of beats later, the trailer door creaks open.

The cold air rushes in, carrying the scent of expensive cologne. I hide rapidly under the blanket, pulling it up to my chin.

“Aurora,” he says softly, setting the heavy box down on the counter then taking two steps in my direction. “Chérie.”

I don't react to the endearment, instead keep my expression completely frozen. “What are you doing here, François? Decided to slum again for a while?”

He flinches, the untouchable facade he wears cracking just a fraction. “I brought supplies.”

“Thanks, you can go now.”