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Chapter 18: The Knife

Violet's words haunted Zeke that evening. And then the following morning. Then the following afternoon. He knew Azia needed time to recover from their kiss, time to process what was happening to both of them.

But he couldn't help himself. He needed to see her. He needed to know if maybe, just maybe, Violet had it right. That Azia did, indeed, have feelings for him, underneath her stubborn, sarcastic exterior.

Far underneath.

He was patient. He waited until Azia had a scheduled meeting with his mother at the Knowles compound before he decided to speak with her again. He stood outside the compound doors, watching his breath turn into tiny white clouds, when she finally appeared.

"Oh, hello there," he said nonchalantly. "Headed home?"

"I am," she said, slowly winding a plaid scarf around her neck. "My meetings are finally done for the day."