I wanted to appreciate it. I really did. But I couldn't. Not yet. Because underneath all of that gratitude was something I couldn't ignore.
June.
I needed to talk to him.
I still loved June.
I wanted to be with her.
And if that was going to happen, I couldn't simply go after her without Dannie knowing.
Whatever happened after that would have to be June's choice. Hers. Not mine. Not Dannie's.
I took a breath. “Dannie… we need to talk.”
“Of course.” He stepped closer. “Is there something you need?” His hand landed gently on my shoulder. “I'm sorry for everything I've put you through. Really sorry.”
I opened my mouth. I was ready. I was finally going to say it. Then—
“Is there something to eat in the house?”
The words came out before I could stop them. I looked away, feeling like a coward.
Dannie stared at me for a moment, then smiled. “Of course. We always keep the kitchen well stocked.”
That smile.
I wanted to punch him.
How could he be this nice? Wasn’t he supposed to be a triad boss? A criminal? A bad guy? He was making it very difficult to hate him.
I left the room. And found the kitchen within minutes.
The refrigerator was enormous, packed with fresh food, fruit, vegetables, and drinks. I grabbed an apple and took a bite.
Crisp. Juicy. Real.
How was I supposed to survive on just bunker food?
Then I heard voices. Quiet. Familiar. My two favourite people in the world. I stopped chewing and followed their voices.
“Who died?”
Both turned, looking almost guilty.
“Kai.” Lincoln’s expression changed immediately. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry,” June repeated.
My stomach tightened. I already hated that word. I had a feeling I was going to hear it a lot over the next few days. “Why are you sorry?”
I looked between them. June glanced at Lincoln. “Lincoln, do you…” She stopped.
Lincoln cleared his throat. “Listen. Do you want to sit down?”
“No.” I shook my head. “Just tell me.”
He reached for my arm. “Let’s get inside. I’ll get you a chair.”