A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 384

"Positive. Do you want one?"

"No."

"Alright." Elissa nodded emphatically and, without waiting for another word, darted toward the convenience store by the gate.

A few minutes later, she returned, slowly making her way back while taking small, deliberate bites of the refreshingly cold ice cream bar.

Rowan stood watching her, a profound tenderness softening his features as she approached, looking for all the world like a child. He composed himself as she drew near. "Is it good?" he asked, his voice neutral.

"Of course."

"Then let me have a bite."

It was a familiar exchange from their past. Almost by reflex, Elissa held out the ice cream, which she had barely started. As he leaned down and took a bite, she suddenly realized something was wrong. This was too intimate. They shouldn't be this close anymore.

Soon, once she could start paying the penalty, and once the person in prison made their move, this fragile warmth between them would vanish completely.

When Elissa snapped out of her thoughts, she saw that a huge chunk of her ice cream was gone. A massive bite. He was just as infuriating as he'd been when they were kids. He would always say no, that he didn't want anything, but after she bought just one for herself, he'd end up eating half of it.

Though, he would always buy her a new one the next day.

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