chapter 29

Abbie The weight of responsibility churns in my stomach like a storm as I watch Gannon stir from his makeshift bed. With each groan or snore that escapes his lips, the reality of Cassandra’s precarious fate bears down on me. His body sits up from the couch with a series of pops and cracks as he stretches. I’d offered many times to trade places with him, to take the couch so he could sleep in comfort, but Gannon is as stubborn as he is protective. He stretches, long limbs extending until his back issues a loud crack, the sound echoing off the walls and pricking at my conscience. Guilt gnaws at me, adding to the queasiness that refuses to abate. Despite the turmoil inside me, my hands move with purpose, setting out his clothes on the bed. Meanwhile, I pull on my uniform when I notice him watching me. My fingers brush over the fabric, smoothing out invisible creases, while my other senses remain acutely aware of his presence in the room, studying me. As Gannon’s gaze finally finds me, I f