Unmarked

63. The End

Grey's arms are wrapped around me. His breath kisses my neck and I sigh happily. Grey was right, you can have a lot of fun with your clothes on. However, I'm still adamant it would be more fun without them.

A knock at the door along with my name being called destroys the smile and my face hardens. Glancing at Grey, I see his hands curl into fists. I try to stand and Grey wraps his arm around my waist and helps me towards the door.

Opening the door, Grey's grip tightens around me.

"What are you doing here?" Grey growls at Jas.

"Jas, The State will be monitoring your movements, and don't you think they'll find it a little suspicious for a hotel owner to be visiting a warehouse located in an industrial estate?"

"I have a valid reason to be here. I'm viewing potential spaces for a new business venture. I'm expanding into the field of book printing. State-approved literature, of course." Jas smiles but it lacks the usual confidence I'm accustomed too.

I'd like to say I feel glad at his discomfort but I'm not, instead the overwhelming emotion I'm feeling is betrayal which irritates me. I was expecting anger, not this sharp twist of hurt which flares up when I look at him. It's hard to admit, but for a short period of time, Jas had been a temporary father figure, a poor parental replacement for an even worse parent at the time.

"I'll ask you again, Jas, what are you doing here?" Grey snaps.

"This is one of the potential spaces he's viewing," I say.

Jas nods slowly, finally looking at me. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been shot," I retort bitterly.

I detect a flicker of remorse across his face; I can't decipher whether it's for not completing the job or for attempting it in the first place.

"I need to speak to you, Cady. Alone," Jas says.

"You are joking," Grey snorts in disdain. "After what you tried to do, you should be thankful I've allowed you to come this close without breaking your jaw."

"I don't take kindly to threats, Grey," Jas says.

"I don't take kindly to you killing someone I care about," Grey responds.

"Jas, whatever you have to say you can do it in front of Grey. I have nothing to hide," I interject.

Jas's eyes slowly flit between me and Grey.

"It's more, I don't feel comfortable having an audience." Jas glances over his shoulder. "We'll sit on those crates opposite. Grey will be able to see us the entire time."

"Fine," I respond.

Grey frowns but doesn't object.

"You may want to cover yourself," Jas says, glancing at my exposed arms and neck.

I feel myself flush. I'd forgotten about my lack of marks with Grey. Grey takes off his jumper and hands it to me. "As soon as you need me, I'll be there."

"Thanks." I pull on the jumper and squeeze Grey's hand before warily supporting myself against Jas's offered arm.

Slowly moving together, neither of us say a word. I let go as soon as I'm near enough to stumble over to a crate and position myself in full view of Grey. We sit in silence; me refusing to speak first whilst Jas watches me, possibly trying to decide the best way to start the conversation. An apology would be great but I won't hold my breath.

"How did you find out about the Birth Brands?" Jas asks.

"I came across a room with lots of computers displaying maps. I heard them talk about monitoring my movements and they knew my whereabouts, thought I was in another location where the Birth Brand had fallen off. It doesn't take a genius to connect the dots."