CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“Why did you come?” I asked the instant I shut the door. I'd wanted to see him, sure, but I didn't expect him to show up unannounced. It was almost as though he had read my mind.

Reid gave me a condescending smile, strolling casually around my room with his hands in his pockets. “Aren't you going to offer me a seat?”

I folded my arms and shot him a glare. “Not until you tell me why you're here.”

“Fine,” he said, collapsing into the single chair in my my apartment. “Ask whatever you want. I'll tell you everything.”

I eyed him warily. “And how do I know you'll actually tell the truth?”

He shrugged. “I guess you'll just have to trust me.”

“Trust?” I snorted. “Reid, it's exactly like Marcus said—Windsors don't get to use that word.”

He chuckled, the sound sharp and humourless. “Speaking of Marcus, let's start there. What lies has he been feeding you? Come on, spill. I'm sure he's painted quite the picture of me.”

“As a matter of fact, he hasn't told me a thing about you. From the way he reacted during your previous encounters, I doubt he wants to.”

Reid leaned back, tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair in a slow, deliberate rhythm. “Oh, he doesn't have much of a choice.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What's that supposed to mean?”

He stood and began pacing toward me. “Here's the thing, sweetheart—I know you've probably figured out that I want you around as my personal bodyguard for selfish reasons. But here's the truth,,” he stopped just in front of me, his voice dropping, “I promised Marcus you'd be safe. And now, after running a background check, I think you're going to need all the help you can get.”

The way his eyes bore into mine sent a chill through me. He knew about my past—maybe not everything, but enough to hold it over me. I forced myself not to react, keeping my expression blank even as he circled me like a predator.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, my voice steady.

“Oh, we're playing dumb now?” he said, mockingly 

I stayed silent, lifting my chin defiantly as he stopped in front of me again. We locked eyes, and I refused to flinch under his scrutiny. After a long moment, he backed away with a smirk, raising his hands in mock surrender.

“If you don't want to talk, fine. I get it—you don't trust me.” He gestured toward me with a tilt of his head. “So, let's start over. Hi, I'm Reid, your date for tonight.”

I ignored the hand he extended, my glare unwavering.

“Ouch.” He withdrew his hand, shoving it back into his pocket. “Tough crowd.”

I didn't so much as blink at his attempt at humor, my silence daring him to squirm. His jaw tightened, his teasing expression hardening into something more serious.

“Get dressed,” he ordered.

“Excuse me?” I asked, arching a brow.

“You heard me.” He brushed past me and walked toward the door, pulling it open. “I get cranky when I have to wait. Don't keep me waiting.” And with that, he was gone, shutting the door behind him.

I stared after him, incredulous. Did he just order me around? For a brief moment, I considered crawling into bed and pretending to fall asleep just to annoy him. But his words lingered, and despite myself, I found my curiosity outweighing my indignation. With a sigh, I headed to the bathroom. 

Taking my time, I eventually settled on black leather pants paired with a burgundy blouse with a crisp collar and long sleeves. A corset-like net detail emphasized my waist, while silver pin earrings framed my face. Deciding against heels, I slipped on black sandals—practical in case things go south.

An hour later, after I'd styled my hair into a messy ponytail, I stepped outside, phone in hand. Pretending to scroll, I approached Reid, who leaned against the driver's side of his black, glistening porsche.

“Hope you didn't have to wait long,” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

He turned, his gaze slowly sweeping over me before locking onto my eyes. “Worth it,” he said simply. “Get in.”

Pressing my lips into a thin line, I opened my mouth to argue but thought better of it. I climbed into the passenger seat instead, muttering, “This had better be worth the attitude.”

Reid glanced at me, as though tempted to respond, but stayed silent. His usual smugness had been replaced by something solemn, and I didn't push him.

The ride stretched on in heavy silence. I occupied myself with the passing scenery until I dozed off, only to wake moments later with my head resting on his shoulder. Embarrassed, I quickly straightened, neither of us acknowledging it. 

Finally, after over an hour of driving, Reid pulled into a field. At first, it seemed abandoned—until I noticed the crosses. 

“A cemetery?” I blurted.

He turned off the engine and met my eyes. “It's easier to trust someone when you know their background. I thought it'd be easier to talk here, with the one person who mattered to me—before you.”

Heat rose to my cheeks, but I ignored it, keeping my expression neutral as we approached a grave. The tiled headstone stood out, adorned with lilacs.

Reid stepped forward, laying a bouquet of roses on the grave. The sight unnerved me, sending goosebumps prickling along my skin in the eerie stillness.

“Who's grave is this?” I asked, my focus falling to the engraved name. A memory stirred, vague but persistent, and I frowned.

Reid's voice softened. “Eugene, I'd like you to meet my mom, Mabel Maddison Windsor.”

“Mabel Maddison,” I murmured, the name tugging at something buried in my mind.

Suddenly, fragments of memory flooded back—voices muttering all around me, one standing out clearer than the rest. A warm distinct voice echoed in my head: “Hey darling, what's your name?”

The world tilted. I staggered back, clutching my head as the memory surged through me, overwhelming and disorienting. Reid caught my arm, steadying me when I stumbled against a stone in my path.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern shadowing his face.

I stared at him, wide-eyed, the realization crashing into me like a wave.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, my hand flying to my mouth.