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JOLIE

I step out of the ensuite.

Oh, God. Now I have to spend another night with him.

I press my fingertips against my temples for a moment, trying to ground the chaos spiraling inside me, and then I turn on the speaker, letting calming soul music flood the room, and get changed into pajamas for the night ahead. I’m drowning out the thought of Fabien just beyond that door, waiting for me like a brooding shadow refusing to fade away into history.

I can’t believe I used to yearn for him. I can’t believe how I longed for his words all day... waiting for his reply, unable to think of anything else. I would eagerly count down the days of each semester before I could go home during vacations and catch a mere glimpse of Fabien on the stairs or with Clement in the yard.

And now he stands in the corner of the penthouse with his hands curled into fists, watching me clean up his mess, and speaks words that hurt me. I know I deserve his anger and distrust and refusal to forgive, but I’m too scared to even admit that to him. I’m too scared to admit the truth.

Finally ready to face my nightmare, my palm presses against the door handle. I turn it. I see him sitting there at the dining table, on his laptop. Working.

The man is always working. Always building his empire.

He stops typing the moment I emerge from the bedroom. Our eyes lock from across the space.

And he doesn’t say a word.

Neither do I.

A beep punctuates the silence. It’s from my phone on the counter. A message.

I pick it up and check the notification. It’s from Sylvie – Baptiste’s wife and the daughter of the current Supreme Elder of the Castaways, Elwood Levine.

You’re free tonight? x

What do you have planned? x

I dare not look up in case I lock eyes with Fabien again. I can feel him watching me even as I type.

Sylvie’s message comes back quickly.

You. Me. Elise. And a few drinks in Midtown. I’m thinking music, dancing, and no boys allowed. I need it, Elise needs it, and I’m sure you do too. x

She makes me smile. I’ve not told anyone about my current predicament, but the timing is fortuitously coincidental.

Yeah, I really freaking do need it.

Sylvie and I have known each other our entire lives, growing up together under the shadow of the Castaways. We’re both daughters of Elders, both raised to obey our fathers and the Order. We’ve both rebelled in our own ways against the elite system and became successful women. Sylvie moved into social entrepreneurship, helping female-led businesses be profitable, and now she’s married to Baptiste. So, with him and Clement’s brotherhood in all but blood, that practically makes Sylvie family to me.

I pause, my phone screen bright in my hands.

When was the last time I had the opportunity to stop acting so tough and powerful and such a competent businesswoman for a night and just dance? I usually would decline something like this, thinking I’ve got to remain composed. And I really should tonight, especially seeing as I have that presentation tomorrow.

I should be a good girl.

But work. And the stress. And him.

Maybe I do need this. Maybe I need a few hours simply to forget about everything. This would tear me away from just sitting here, in this penthouse, spiraling all night. I won’t drink, but I’m going to dance and let myself be free. I was just thinking, before I got into the shower, that I need something to take my mind off whatever the hell’s happening to me this week.

I glance up. Fabien is back to focusing on his laptop, but his eyes still haunt me.

Anything to get me away from him, even for a few hours. Anything to get away from the man who stares at me as if he can read my mind and my soul.

Okay, so the rule for this stupid Castaways’ task is that we have to spend the night together, but I can still go out and have fun, and then I’ll crawl into bed once he’s asleep. That still counts.

I’m coming. Let me know where you are x