“Possibly. Or late at night, he’d crawl to the kitchen to steal food.”
I clenched my jaw as I studied him climb out the fence on the funeral night. He was still very careful to protect his face from the camera.
“I have a feeling this guy must have had some sort of experience about the Palace,” Luca said the exact words I had in mind. “The way he knew where the cameras were supposed to be, where to hide without being seen, and how to get food and drinks. A novice within these walls would’ve been caught. This guy must be something else.”
I nodded in agreement. Luca had never been more accurate.
Our assassin was no stranger within these walls. So, there was a good chance King Thaddeus had been staring into the familiar face of his assassin when he got killed.
Luca and I spoke some more on the topic, deciding to carry out more investigations and sweep the city for our guy.
When I left and was in the backseat of my car, headed home, I made a call I hadn’t made in years. A call that was always unnerved me whenever I had to make it.
The issue of the assassin and how familiar he looked was making me uneasy. I just needed to be very sure.
The woman picked up when the call was about to end. “Alpha Jaris. Greetings.”
As always, her tone was clipped.
“Margaret. You know why I’m calling. Is he still there?” I demanded.
“Yes, of course. He’s still locked up and asleep.” After a heartbeat, she added; “you know you have nothing to worry about Your brother is not getting out of here.”
LYRIC
My appetite left with Jace after our painful conversation.
I was scared, and a tiny voice in my head kept mocking me that I might not be alive for very long.
I heard my door unlocking and snapped upright, waiting to see who’d enter.
It hadn’t been long since the maids brought me food. So, who was-
Oh.
My thoughts took a pause. Swallowing hard, I rose to my feet as Jaris made his way in.
He was still wearing something corporate, which meant he must just be making his way home. But it was almost midnight. Why was he just coming back?
‘It’s none of your business, Lyric,’
“Good evening,” I murmured.
It was the first time he was coming to see me since he locked me up. I couldn’t believe he could be so cruel to do this to me.
I noticed his eyes linger on the tray of my untouched meal. He didn’t seem pleased.
“Why haven’t you eaten?” He asked coldly.
“Nothing. Just didn’t have the appetite.”
“Seriously?” He huffed. “You’re not eating so you can lie to people that I starved you.”
I looked at him with disbelief. “I really don’t get why you assume I’m a liar.” I have never lied to you!
He said nothing, but his expression didn’t get any softer.
He ambled toward the table, leaning against it.
He folded his brawny arms across his chest, and I forced myself not to look at how good it was.
“Why were you trying to run?” His voice was less scolding, more like he was curious. “Aside our contract, you were supposed to treat Xylon. I thought you liked the kids. Were you really going to abandon him just because of our differences?”
I shook my head. He really thought I was trying to flee because we were at loggerheads? Oh, he knew nothing.
“I’m sorry,” I scratched my hairline with the tip of my finger. “I promise you, it’s not what you think. I wasn’t trying to flee because of our differences.” I hated the fact that I was explaining myself and apologizing when few weeks ago, he had hurt me as well and didn’t do anything to make me feel better.
“I know you might not believe it, but Xylon is the reason you caught me in the first place. And I intend to stay and finish my job on him.” I chuckled. “I can’t abandon a soul like that. Never.”
For a long moment, he watched me with those accessing eyes of his. Those eyes that made me feel like I was being investigated.
“Why don’t you tell me where you were headed, then? I deserve to know.”
Okay. I’ve had enough.
“Can we just put this behind us?” My voice was a little serious. “I’m sorry, okay? Sorry I tried to flee. Sorry you caught me. I promise, it’ll never happen again. Honestly, I’m just tired of this conversation.”
His eyes darkened. “You think you have the right to be tired? I deserve an explanation, Lyric Harper!*
“Well, at least, I have and I’ve apologized! You didn’t do any of these on our mating night. You embarrassed me in front of friends and family! At least, I haven’t done any of that to you!”
He moved from the table, stepping towards me with eyes burning like hot coals.
This was my warning to keep shut. My warning to tell me I was crossing the line. But I’d been carrying this hurt with me for weeks!
I took a step back when he kept getting closer. Eventually, I stood my ground, despite the fear clawing deep in my stomach.
We stood almost feet to feet, his dark eyes pin
“You know nothing, Lyric,” his voice was like an ice cube. “You know nothing of the embarrassment you brought to me.”
What? My voice was barely audible.
He turned away, heading for the door.
“If I did something, why don’t you just tell me!? Because as far as I’m concerned, I’m the only one who has been your victim here!”
He didn’t stop. Didn’t look at me.
“If you hated me this much, you shouldn’t have brought the damn contract to me. My life is more hell than It’s ever been!”
Of course, that was not true. But I was furious and not thinking straight.
He walked out the door, but I didn’t hear the locks.
I hesitated for a moment before going closer. What. I turned the knob, the door opened. And more to my surprise, the key was right there on the keyhole.
He didn’t lock me in. Did that mean I was free?
**********
JACE
Jace impatiently glanced at his time for what felt like the millionth time.
If there was one thing he hated, it was having to wait for anyone.
He picked his phone and keys to leave when Kael finally arrived.
“Fuck, man! You’re late!” He hissed.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.