Page 69 of A Wild Darkness

“I know.”

She trusts me. I smile to myself.

The driver is back in the front seat.

“4700 East Marybrook Drive,” I tell him, without breaking eye contact with Stevie.

“You’ve got it,” he replies.

“You’re going to do great,” I whisper.

She flashes me a weak smile. “I guess this feels scarier because we’re far from home.”

“I understand that.”

“Like we’re more vulnerable or something?”

I smile, knowing Hayden and the night crew left last night. They’re staying in town until they receive the orders from me on where to go. I might have forgotten to tell Stevie that part.

“We have backup.”

“We do?” Her face perks up that we won’t be alone in this.

I nod and give her hand a gentle squeeze. “Yes, Hayden and the guys are staying close.”

An audible breath escapes her light-pink lips. “Thank goodness.”

“Feel better?”

“Marginally. But yes. I mean, what we’re doing is risky even with backup, but at least we aren’t alone.”

As the driver pulls down a bumpy, narrow road lined with tall trees and bright green vineyards in the distance, I can’t help but feel a little nervous about what this weekend will hold. So many things are left unknown, and so many opportunities for things to go wrong.

I glance over at Stevie, her hand still tucked safely in mine, and I think of how conflicted she must feel on the inside. And how brave she is for doing this with me.

Once we arrive and I see how far we’re out in wine country, I’m glad I opted for the tracking devices to relay our location to Hayden.

“We’re here, Mr. Thompson. Welcome to one of wine country’s oldest French chateaus,” the driver informs us as he pulls around the circular driveway. “This location is a commonplace for many types of corporate events, including weddings.”

The sun is bright, and the sky is clear—a beautiful day except for a lone, ominous gray cloud hovering directly over the chateau. Hopefully, in our favor.

“This place is beautiful,” Stevie mumbles as she peers out the glass window.

I give her the side-eye. “The manor is nicer and better kept up, if you ask me.”

“Of course it is, Sebastian.” She smiles playfully.

The driver opens the door for her, and she steps out. Our hands release, and I’m eager to touch her again.

“Thank you.” I climb out, then join Stevie on the other side of the car.

He nods, placing both luggage items on the cracked cobblestone steps.

I slip him a generous tip. “Sunday at eleven a.m.?”

“Right on the dot.” He smiles, then gets back into the car and drives away.

I turn to Stevie. “Shall we?”