Kieran taps something else. The screen on the far left of Silas fills with a clean exterior shot. Perfect lighting correction. Facial recognition box already outlined.
It’s bizarrely high-tech security for a converted warehouse outside of Downtown Crimson Bay… Or maybe it isn’t. This placeisa criminal haven.
But it’s her on the screen.
The country club princess from the cafe.
Blonde and polished to perfection. Dressed like money and privilege that won’t matter in the Bay. Standing as if the building owes her access because she has a last name with weight somewhere that isn’t here.
I straighten. “That’s the ex.”
I already know the answer. Roo found her while we were getting ready to go out… yesterday? Fuck. Was that really yesterday?
“The one who couldn’t handle sharing,” Silas adds, finally looking at me as his mouth curves faintly. “She thinks the world spins just for her.”
Another chime rings through the home, louder this time. And a knock at the door makes me frown.
“She always hated being ignored.” Jace huffs in exasperation. “You don’t have to be here for her bullshit.”
“I’m not hiding,” I say, already moving toward the door.
Jace reaches out to stop me. “Eris?—”
“I’m not,” I repeat, calm and certain. “If she’s here to bother you because of me, she can look me in the face while she tries to stir up the bullshit. I haven’t had fun in weeks.”
No one argues with me, but they don’t appear thrilled either.
I can’t blame them.
Kieran opens the door with a controlled delay, just wide enough that he fills the frame like a barricade. I can’t see the woman beyond his broad shoulders, but I watch her on the screen.
She smiles immediately.
And that grates on every nerve in my body.
“Hi,” she purrs, warm and practiced. “I was hoping you’d all be home today.”
Her eyes slide past Kieran, locking onto Jace as soon as he steps up. The way she simpers at him really pisses me off, like he’s still hers and she’s just giving him the illusion of a little space.
“Oh, thank God,” she continues. “I was worried you weren’t here. Is Silas here too? I want to talk?—”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Jace interrupts.
She laughs lightly. “You don’t have to keep lying... There is anusto talk about, and?—”
Her words cut abruptly as her gaze flicks again, landing on me as I pull the door open wider, stepping into view.
No one ever wants to talk about the eyes… but they tell so much.
There’s a slight flare as her brows lift ever-so-slightly in surprise. And a quick narrowing as she runs an assessment of who I am, why I’m here, and what I’m wearing.
The calculation comes last… Can she compete? Fight? How does she get me out of the picture?
Ah.
This situation is new to her.
“Why is she here?” Her tone changes, nothing like the airy quality she had a moment ago. “Is it her? She’s why you won’t let me in?”
