Book 1: The Nose Knows

Rafe

This time, I instinctively take her hand as we walk down the hallway. No one is around, and I want to feel her fingers in mine. Like the other night when we were in that small space together when I couldn’t stop my urge to touch her and try to reassure her that all was well.

We walk down the hall, through the main waiting area, where some of the clinicians are busy. A few of them look up from their work behind the counter, but most of them are too occupied to even notice me. Only one looks at Ainslee with a curious expression.

I smile at Brenda, reassuring her that everything is fine and that Ainslee is permitted to be here. She doesn’t question who the girl is, but by now, I’m quite certain the rumor mill has provided most people with the information that we have a new person staying in the castle. She probably already knows Ainslee’s shoe size.

We walk outside into the garden, and Ainslee gasps. “This is lovely,” she says, letting go