A Secret Message (Lavender Cove #1)

Nine

JUST ONE LOOK, THAT'S it.

But fifteen minutes had already passed since he had parked his car, and Rule had yet to step out of it.

I'm here for Vix, not her.

The boy had wanted to treat him to coffee, and it was only polite to say 'yes'. That this was also the same cafe where she worked was a coincidence, and if Vix were to introduce her to him, well...

You really don't learn, do you?

It was the cynical voice inside of his head again.

Didn't you once think Beatriz was the woman for you as well?

Frustration simmered inside of him, and Rule's fingers tightened around the steering wheel.

One look.

If she was working today, he'd just take one look. All he wanted was to see her smile again, nothing else.

Rule stepped out of his car, and his phone started vibrating inside of his pocket.

What now?

Was he meant to take this as a warning sign from heaven if the person calling him turned out to be Beatriz again?

Rule was about to reach for his phone when he noticed something move in the corner of his eye, and his head turned sharply towards it.

A man was lurking behind the row of trees lined up at the side of the cafe. Something about him seemed off, and Rule's blood went cold when he saw the other man put on a ski mask.

The man entered the cafe through the side door, and Rule didn't even think twice about following him. Tension flayed the air, and the moment he heard the stranger threaten the woman whose smile he hadn't been able to make himself forget—-

"Nobody move or say a word. Do as I say or you'll be the next one I'm—-"

Instinct took over as adrenaline rushed through his veins. Rule only had one thought in mind as he lunged towards the intruder—-

Save her.

I have to save her.

God, please help me save her.