Court of Flowers (Sutherland Book 1)

XXIX | Everleigh

Sasha immediately dropped her hand and turned to face the stage, her breathing still trapped in her throat. She swallowed and let out a soft, shaky breath.

Ruby turned, noticing her sudden restlessness. She smiled at her friend and pretended to focus on the singing below.

Willoghby was here.

Gabrielle was here.

Sasha was not the reason she was here. Nor was West. Gabrielle was here because of Willoghby.

That was why she was able to save Sasha that night in the garden.

She was following the bastard.

Sasha's mind reeled. But why?

Why was Belcourt still looking for him if Gabrielle was at his tail?

Unless she never reported it.

Just like how she never told the Mistresses about Sasha's agreement with West.

What was she up to?

Who was she working for if not Belcourt?

Sasha was distracted from her thoughts when a man walked toward her. He bent and whispered, "My lady, I was asked to deliver this note."

Sasha looked at the card and took it. "Thank you."

With her hands still shaking, she opened the note and read.

Outside. Now. -Your flower

She turned to look over her shoulder. He was gone.

With a sigh, Sasha turned to Ruby and Jade. "I need to step outside," she excused.

Ruby looked behind them and at West's empty seat. She nodded with a meaningful smile before turning her attention back on stage.

The corridor outside was empty. West was standing by the door, leaning against the wall. The moment Sasha walked out, he grabbed her hand and dragged her to a dark corner behind a large potted plant and a column.

"Why is Willoghby here, Sasha?" he hissed, eyes blazing with fury.

"How did—"

"This bloody opera is a bore and I was sitting behind you. I noticed how you scoured the entire theater. And I have my own glasses." He sighed, hands on his hips. He looked to both ends of the corridor before fixing his angry eyes back on her. "I thought you said you already reported him?"

"I—," she did want to lie, so instead she said, "Belcourt is now looking for him."

"Then why is the bloody bastard still roaming around Coulway, following you, Sasha?"

"I do not know. And now that you mention it, I must find a way to let them know he is still in Coulway."

His jaw tightened. "You are not doing it tonight. I am taking you home. Now."

"No. I intend to see this opera through."

He let out an exasperated sigh. "The bastard is being elusive, and I am losing my patience."

"So do I," she indignantly said.

"If Belcourt does not do something soon, Sasha, I will." And he was serious. It was there in his eyes.

She sighed, dropping her shoulders. "West, please, let us not spoil this night. Willoghby is only one man. I am certain that once Belcourt finds him, he will have no chance. He is facing the island."

She watched his jaw clench as he glared at the wall across the corridor. "I am giving Belcourt a week." He looked down at her, this time with a calmer look in his brown globes. "After that, I will send my own men after the bastard. There will be no island for him after that, Sasha, I swear to God."