Read Online Grave Matters by Jana Oliver - Free Book Online Page A

anythin’ in this world, but I could not give up my soul. If I was dead, it was all I had left I could call my own.”
    Riley bowed her head in relief. “Then how did you get out of Hell?”
    “My momma. Sadie showed me the way out. Can you believe it?” he said, his voice catching at the end. “I thought she hated me.”
    “No, I think she loved you in her own weird way.”
    Perhaps now it was time to ask a question of his own. “Down at the hospital that day, when she was dyin’. What did she say to you?”
    Riley looked up at him. “I’m surprised you haven’t asked me that before now.”
    “Wasn’t sure if I’d like the answer.”
    She nodded her understanding. “Your mother made me promise to keep you safe.”
    It was his turn to bow his head. “I never understood that woman.”
    “I don’t think she understood herself.”
    As she fell asleep, Riley cuddled close to him. No matter how tired he was, Beck remained awake.
    Somethin’s changed. He wasn’t sure if it was between them, or something bigger on the horizon. One thing he did know; until he knew for sure, he’d keep his worries to himself.
    ~ - ~ - ~
     
    When Riley woke, the room was in twilight, the heavy curtains pulled closed once again. For a moment she thought she’d slept the entire day. A glance at the clock proved it was closer to nine in the morning.
    She’d woken up once overnight, and out of habit had treated her deepest wounds and bandaged them. Beck had slumbered on, without knowing she’d gotten out of bed.
    Now she heard a faint voice through the door to the bathroom; he was talking to Stewart about her.
    Reporting back to your masters?
    “Don’t worry,” Beck said, his voice louder now. “I’ll keep her safe. I give you my word on that.”
    And just like that the distrust faded. If Beck gave his word, it was solid gold.
    He does love me. And I love him.
    So why did she feel so unsure about him now?
    Riley flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling, confused. Other than a few kisses he’d not tried to rekindle what they’d shared in Atlanta. It was like he didn’t care for her anymore, at least not in that way.
    She thumped her forehead with the palm of her hand.
    Stop it!
    The bathroom door opened and Beck paused when he saw she was awake. Instead of looking guilty, he seemed pleased. “Did I wake you?”
    She shook her head.
    “I was talking to Stewart, letting him know how you were doing. He sends his love.”
    “Is he freaking out?”
    “A little. His cough is better.”
    “That’s good news.”
    With a big smile, Beck sat on the side of the bed. “Happy Birthday!” he said. “How’s it feel to be eighteen?”
    Birthday? Riley had totally forgotten it, which was major weird.
    Wow, the jet lag is seriously kicking my butt.
    “It is my birthday. So why I don’t feel any different?”
    “I never do. It’s just a number thing.” He kissed her forehead and she inhaled the scent of soap and aftershave.
    “So Princess, you wanna go see a castle?”
    Part of her did and other part just wanted to lay here and stare at the ceiling. What is up with that? She was in Scotland with her guy. She could chill at home.
    “Sure,” Riley said, trying to sound excited. “Let me do the Holy Water thing and get dressed.”
    ~ - ~ - ~
     
    In his own way, Beck made sure her birthday was as special as he could make it. They had lunch at the castle, visited more bookshops, then as the afternoon wore away he suggested they make a trip to Arthur’s Seat right before sunset. He insisted it was a grand view of Edinburgh eight hundred and some feet above the city.
    Riley studied the massive rock. “We’re climbing that?”
    Beck laughed. “No. I wouldn’t do that to you. I want you in good shape once we get to the top.”
    She heard something in his voice that told this was more than a mere hiking expedition.
    A few minutes later, Beck flagged down a cab and the driver took them as far up the hill as was possible.