Folsom (End of Men, #1)(40)

I glance at Langley, who blushes right on cue and leans in to give Petite a feminine kiss on each cheek. If Langley is the best, I don’t want to meet their worst.

“Congratulations on your engagement,” Langley says, addressing them both. “The wedding! I’m so excited for the wedding!” She clasps her hands together like a little girl as the two women smile on.

“Congratulations to you both,” I say.

The smile clings uneasily to Diana’s mouth, never reaching her eyes. Gwen appears behind her mother, and I break out into an easy smile.

“Mother of my son,” I say, cheerfully. Gwen blushes all the way to her roots as she blinks at me.

“Hope that’s water you’re drinking.” I wink.

Diana lets go of Petite to place an arm around her youngest daughter’s shoulders.

“It’s sparkling actually, your son refuses to let me eat.”

I feel the eyes on us as people turn to watch our exchange. Petite’s smile has stiffened and I can feel Langley’s rage from beside me.

“Hopefully there will be more sons soon,” Langley says, leaning toward me. “We certainly had fun trying to make one…”

Gwen quickly looks away, and I have the urge to tell her just how un-enjoyable it was for me, when Governor Petite taps her glass and calls out, “I’d like to make a toast!”

The room falls silent as everyone turns our way. Gwen glances at me, widening her eyes. I tilt my head to the side in question just as Petite begins to speak.

“First, I’d like to acknowledge our host, Langley Starter. We are all honored to share this exciting day with you. And though we don’t have the results yet, we trust that Folsom’s aim was true.”

Langley beams as everyone stares awkwardly at her flat belly. It’s like they’re willing the child there.

“I’d like to raise a toast to Folsom. Our End Man, who in just a few weeks has renewed the Red Region’s hope with the promise of three children!”

A cheer goes up among the guests, and I wonder idly who the third is. The lottery winner, I hope. At least that night wouldn’t be a complete fuck up. It’s when she continues speaking that a chill runs down my back. I clutch the glass of bourbon I’m holding tighter as she continues.

“Folsom, you live a most glamorous life. The Regions sing your praise wherever you go. You are a god among us,” her voice takes a more somber tone, “and yet you’ve chosen to be here with us, and not only that, you’ve chosen for your eldest son, Laticus, to be here as well. You bring us great honor.”

There is a murmur of surprise around the room at the mention of Laticus’ name. I grow warm underneath my suit, my limbs prickling with anger.

“Thank you for your dedication to the End Men, for your service to the Regions. And for your son.” She ends and there’s a round of applause so loud I can’t hear my own thoughts.

I feel Gwen’s fingers dig into my arm and she leans up on her tiptoes to whisper in my ear.

“Come with me. We need to talk.”





TWENTY





GWEN


I move quickly to the courtyard, Folsom following at a distance. Chandeliers light the way, but I find a dark area near the private lake on the property. Most are inside, just a few stragglers here and there, and I watch Folsom duck behind a tree when he sees a woman walk by. I laugh at how fast he dodges her.

He’s smiling when he gets closer and I want to take him by the arm and drag him away from this place, away from this life. His expression clears, almost as if he can read my thoughts. I wonder what he wants, his deepest desires that have been shoved down and forgotten.

I don’t know what to do with my hands, if he wants to be touched right now or needs his space. It was easy between us when I saw him last, but it’s been over a week and he’s slept with how many women since then? I’ve tried not to think about each and every one.

He reaches down and takes me by the hand and it feels sweet, shy almost.

“How are—” We both start at the same time then laugh.

I want to cringe at the awkwardness, but then he steps forward and wraps his arms around me, pulling me tight against him. And I breathe. I’ve missed him. I didn’t want to…I needed a break from all the feelings…but I needed this so much more.

“Have you been hiding from me?” he asks.

“What? No,” I say into his shoulder. “It’s just been busy,” I falter, hating how nervous I sound. “I’ve been staying at work most nights. Folsom, the governor’s speech…”

“I know,” he says. “She’s trying to discredit what you said, making it sound like I enjoy this life.”

“I think they put her up to it, the Society.”

He nods. “You’re probably right. They’re trying to contain what you started.”

“I haven’t wanted to call,” I tell him. “I’m worried the Silverbooks are bugged. And there’s something I need to tell you about Laticus…”

He pulls away, both hands gripping my arms. “What’s going on with Laticus?”

“There’s this girl. I don’t trust her. She stays after her shift and Laticus definitely likes her. I saw her in the car with Governor Petite’s assistant, I don’t—”