CHAPTER 64 – ANTONIO
I stare at Steve. What is he talking about? Ryan can’t move close to Caspian.
It can’t be happening. It can’t.
“I didn’t know there were properties available near the lake,” Ann-Sabrina says, her voice sharpening.
I struggle to breathe. The air feels thicker.
“Me neither. Rutherford was looking in East Bay at first, but then he decided the view was better closer to the lake. At least that’s what he’s been saying all over town.”
My chest coils with the oily dread snaking into my lungs.
My hands feel clammy.
Shouldn’t Caspian be back by now? What’s taking him so long?
My eyes dart around the store, clocking the fire exit.
What if Ryan’s somewhere waiting for me?
“Rutherford’s from Cove Bay,” Steve rattles on as I watch my skin curiously. Is it really vibrating or is it only my brain?
Steve turns toward me.
“Did you both go to Cove Bay High?”
“Steve,” Ann-Sabrina snaps. “Shut up. Now.”
“Why are you always so mean to me?” he whines. “Anyway, Rutherford—”
I don’t hear the rest.
There’s a roaring in my ears, like the world is being vacuum-sealed around me. Ryan will never let me be. He’s going to ruin Caspian’s privacy, his peace, and any chance I have of existing in that house without fear.
“Antonio?” Ann-Sabrina’s voice comes from very far away. “Are you okay?”
I try to drag air into my lungs.
“Shit,” she mutters. “Should I call Caspian ?”
“Tell him about Rutherford while you’re at it,” Steve adds, his voice fading in and out like a bad radio signal.
“If you don’t shut up right now, Steve Pell, I will personally convince Mickey to remove Bon Jovi from the karaoke list. Permanently.”
“If you hadn’t repeatedly told me not to, I’d be asking if you’re on your period,” Steve comments.
“Steve.”
Her tone is a death sentence.
“Go to the Beans and check if there’s someone there with actual sense in their head. Now.”
“Doesn’t seem likely,” Steve mutters, retreating. “But I guess I’ll check.”
I need to get a grip.
I can’t let Caspian return to another disaster.
Everyone will talk. Everyone must already pity him.
They’ll tell him he deserves better—and it’s true.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged or at least a known fact in Baywood.
Maybe he isn’t back yet because he has finally realized what loving me costs.
Here’s your boyfriend Antonio—please find his stalker attached.
I make Caspian’s life miserable. If I’m not going mental in the middle of the street, I’m hiding under the blanket and accidentally ghosting him. I bite him without permission. Wake him up in the middle of the night to interrogate him about his subconscious.
It’s no wonder he hasn’t come back.
I lift my head slowly.
I’m in a bookstore. I should buy a pen and a notebook and make a list. Lists are what rational people do.
I’m going to write down all the ways I’ve complicated his life.
The door opens.
Steve reappears, looking uncharacteristically cowed. He’s followed by Cole’s boyfriend.
“He was the only option,” Steve says, eyeing Xaden warily. “Don’t worry, Antonio. I’ll—I’ll keep him in check.”
His throat bobs visibly.
“Special Agent Bailey,” I mumble, feeling shy. “I’m fine.”
Xaden skips the small talk.
“Ryan Rutherford is a coward,” he says. “A bully. A jerk.”
My breath stutters.
“And it’s always possible I heard wrong,” Steve offers. “Now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure someone named Bryan Butterford is looking for properties. An easy mistake to make.”
I manage a weak smile. I don’t really know these people and they don’t really know me—yet they’re standing around me like a human shield.
“I know he’s been giving you hell,” Xaden continues. He has crossed his arms. “I’m sorry you’ve been through all that. Baywood doesn’t take kindly to people like him.”
“Yeah, little dude.” Steve glances at Xaden and mimics his pose. “No one should be bullied.”
I feel oddly touched, the roaring in my ears finally beginning to fade.
“I’m sure we’re able to convince him to house-hunt elsewhere,” Xaden concludes.
He sounds so certain. Authoritative.
To my surprise, I actually believe him. Not because he’s an agent—but because I know Caspian trusts him. And there’s no one in this world I trust more than Caspian.
I take a deep breath.
I know he’s on his way to me.