1269_UgliesFreeBook

UGLIES 283
happened between her and David. Of course, the moment
Shay saw that the pendant was gone from around Tally’s
neck, she would know.
But at least she’d never know the real truth. The pendant
was charred beyond recognition, its true purpose hidden forever.
Tally slumped into David’s arms, closing her eyes. The
image of the glowing heart was burned into her vision.
She was free. Dr. Cable would never come here now,
and no one could ever take her away from David or the
Smoke, or do to Tally’s brain whatever the operation did to
pretties’. She was no longer an infiltrator. She finally
belonged here.
Tally found herself crying.
David silently walked her to the bunkhouse. At the
door, he leaned forward to kiss her, but she pulled away
and shook her head. Shay was just inside. Tally would have
to talk to her tomorrow. It wouldn’t be easy, but Tally knew
she could face anything now.
David nodded, kissed his finger, and traced one of the
remaining scratches on her cheek. “See you tomorrow,” he
whispered.
“Where are you going?”
“For a walk. I need to think.”
“Don’t you ever sleep?”
“Not tonight.” He smiled.
Tally kissed his hand and slipped inside, where she
kicked off her shoes and crawled into bed with her clothes