His face tightens. He knows I’m buttering her up for selfish reasons. Charlotte might not know Eve, but she knows of her, and I want all the girl talk she’ll offer—teatime, girls’ night, spa days. Whatever it’ll fucking take. Even if that means spoiling the damn cat that I hate. But I can’t just come right out and ask Charlotte a million questions about Everett. I’m a patient man. I’ve waited this long to find Eve. I’ll take the time to get the information I want. Charlotte acted like she didn’t know who she was, but something tells me there’s more there. I can’t not try. Even if it ends up being a dead end.
Sighing, I say, “I wasn’t the nicest person to Charlotte.” He already knows this, but I’ve never apologized for it. To her or to him. “I just want her to know that I’m here for her.”
He eyes me skeptically as Muffin meows, curling herself around his ankle.
“I’m ready,” Charlotte calls out from behind him, exiting the bathroom.
I give him a big smile and look over his shoulder at her. “You guys have fun. I want to see lots of pictures of Muffin’s adventure.” With that, I turnand enter my room, holding in my laughter. Oh, he’s going to make me pay for that one.
I grab my cell and my Zippo before making my way down to the basement to see what Saint is up to.
He’s standing over the pits while a guy is locked inside just as I hear the elevator ding behind me. I turn to see Sin and a very pregnant Elli walking into the basement hand in hand.
Sin looks disappointed to see me. We haven’t spoken since he was here last time to tell us that Bill had married his mother and that Eve is Bill’s daughter.
“What’s up, man?” Saint gives him a handshake hug. “How did the appointment go?” he asks Elli, pulling away from Sin.
I hate that Saint is more aware of Elli’s pregnancy than me. I didn’t even know she had a checkup with Devin today. But I think she and Ashtyn have gotten close, so I shouldn’t be all that surprised.
Elli rubs her huge belly. “Everything looks good and we’re right on track.” Smiling, she places her hand back in Sin’s.
Easton’s phone beeps, and he digs into his pocket. Letting go of her hand once again, he reads over a text, and his face tightens.
“What’s wrong?” she asks nervously.
“It’s nothing.” He waves off his wife’s concern.
“Sin?” She grabs his arm and pulls him to face her. She knows him well enough to question him.
“It was the Lords,” he tells her. “I have an assignment tomorrow.”
“What?” Her wide eyes search his. “No.”
“It’ll be fine,” he assures her. “I will only be gone for the day.”
“Okay.” Elli nods to herself, trying to accept what he’s telling her. She knows that she can’t keep him from the Lords. They call and you go running.
“Shit.” He sighs. “I forgot you have an appointment.”
“It’s fine,” she speaks. “I’ll reschedule.”
“No.” He frowns. “She was able to fit you in.”
“She can get me in another day.”
“No, Elli,” he tells his wife sternly. “You need to see her.”
Bowing her head, she bites her lip.
“I can take you,” I offer.
Her head snaps up, eyes narrowing on mine. “No.”
“That would be great.” Sin rubs her arm, and I bite back a smile that he’s allowing me to be alone with her. It must be really important for him to let me help.
“Sin—”
“It’s fine, Elli. I won’t let you miss it because of me.” Then he looks at me. “I’ll text you the time and address.” With that, he grabs her hand and leads her back to the elevator, making Saint and me both wonder what that was about.
