“Sorry!” I chirp. “Hugo and I have a train to catch. Some other time.”
Edward’s eyes burn into mine, storm-grey. The look promises consequences I’m probably too tipsy to properly fear.
Sophia shoots Edward a cautious glance, then stands. “I’ll walk you out, darling.”
I hesitate, but she’s moving, and I’ve got no choice but to follow. Hugo chats with her like nothing’s wrong, while the air between me and Edward chokes with everything unsaid.
By the time we hit the front door, the tension’s so thick you’d need one of Edward’s surgical scalpels to cut through it.
I can’t tell if I’m glaring at Edward too obviously—if Sophia’s noticed. But judging by the wary glance she flicks between us, I suspect she has.
CHAPTER 36
Edward
My grip tightens onthe steering wheel, the leather creaking under the pressure exerted by my fingers. My foot presses harder on the accelerator before I catch myself and ease back. The last thing I need is to get pulled over.
From the back seat, Hugo and Daisy chatter away, oblivious to the fact that I am on the brink of losing my patience. She’s sprawled out, talking as if I’m not even here. Like I’m her damn driver.
Or worse—like I’m herfather.
“A club, Daisy?” My voice stays level, but only just. “You really need to go to a club? Now?”
“Yes, I do,” she replies, her tone airy but threaded with something tight and defensive. She shifts, adjusting her dress, and crosses her arms over her chest.
I drum my fingers on the wheel. “Any particular reason?”
“I need to let off some steam, okay? I just, that was a . . . long dinner.”
“Daisy,” I say, exhaling slowly through my nose. “I have to work tomorrow. I can’t go gallivanting to a club.”
“You don’t have to go, Edward.”
I draw a sharp breath, forcing my foot to stay steady on the accelerator when every instinct shouts at me to stop the car and demand answers. To have an adult conversation with her about whatever is upsetting her.
Instead, I keep my eyes on the road.
“I’ll keep our Daisy safe,” Hugo slurs, grinning like a fucking idiot.
The bastard has the audacity to drape an arm over her shoulders. My hand twitches toward the indicator like I might suddenly pull over and drag him out onto the pavement.
“Daisy,” I say. “Tell me what’s going on.”
I adjust the rearview mirror. I want a clearer view of her.
“Nothing’s going on.”
“Bullshit.”
“Nothing that needsannouncing, anyway.”
Right. So she didn’t like my choice of words earlier. And she’s punishing me for it.
I catch her gaze. Behind the challenge, there’s hurt in her eyes.
Damn it. I didn’t mean to upset her.
“I apologize if anything I said tonight to upset you, Daisy. That was never my intention.”
