Chapter 167
Ciel
"Where is he?" I ask quietly.
Jack looks at me, then at Nolan. He motions for me to come inside.
I find him in the sitting room.
Sipping tea. Acting all entitled and cozy. Like he belongs here. Like he has every right to be in my home, in my space, in my life.
It takes everything in me not to scream at him to get the fuck out.
"Ciel." He sets down his cup. Smiles.
That smile I remember from childhood—the one that meant I was being assessed, measured, found wanting or valuable depending on his mood.
"Give us some privacy," I say.
Jack and Nolan hesitate. I can feel them behind me—Nolan's warmth, Jack's tension. Neither wants to leave.
"Go," I say. "I'll be fine."
Jack's hand brushes my lower back. A promise. I'm right outside. Then they're gone. The door clicks shut.
The Baron places his teacup down. The porcelain clinks against the saucer.
"Ciel—"
"What are you doing here?" I cut him off.
His face cracks. Just a fraction. Just enough for me to see.
