“About the girl.”
“The new one.”
I nod. “She left a note. Errands.”
“First day,” he says. “Testing the fence.”
“Until she learns it’s electrified.”
He studies me before draining his glass and setting it down. “You want me on Ivan tonight? See who he allows to be close when he wants to be seen?”
“Yes.” I grab my keys.
He stands and slides into his jacket, then pauses at the door. “You sure about this new girl?” he asks without turning. “You don’t usually bring civilians inside before you sandbag the house.”
“She’s not in the storm,” I say. “She’s in a suite in a house I control.”
He glances back. “Don’t let her smile make you forget where the doors are.”
“I know my own floor plan.”
He gives me a crooked smile and leaves.
I text Koval.
When did she leave?
Just before one.She said she’d be back by six. It’s five past.
I put on my coat and prepare to leave, a thought needling. Alex’s smile was as easy as ever, but behind it I saw Ivan. They share blood. Alex says the right things and has saved my life more than once. But blood has its own loyalty.
If Ivan pushes hard enough, where will Alex stand?
I file that doubt away.
For now.
CHAPTER 8
CASSANDRA
My pulse is pounding when the Uber rolls through the gate.
Mrs. Koval meets me at the door with her pearls and posture, and a nod that is neither welcoming nor reprimanding. God, I wish she wasn’t so hard to read.
“You’re late. He’s waiting in the Blue Salon.”
Great.
Damien stands at the window, hands in his pockets, the light catching the silver threads in his hair. He doesn’t turn when I enter. I close the doors behind me and wait.
When he finally looks at me, I swear the temperature in the room drops.
“You’re in trouble.”
Not loud. Not angry. Just flat and definitive.
“I—” My throat goes raw. “I had to handle a few things in the city. I’m here now.”
