Fallon’s head tilts like a puppy’s. “So, what Rhys did helped protect someone you love?”
It’s a stark and simple truth. This was abouther.
Lourdes Sinclair.
“Yes.” Ares exhales, gaze focused on Fallon. “Despite what people think, I have a heart. But I need to make you understand what is at stake. It’s not me you should be afraid of. The man Rhys eliminated has dangerous allies. And do not think that the police or the Feds are all good guys. They have snitches. If you betray us, you might be dealt with by a group of men so?—”
“We get it.” I bark and motion for Fallon to sit down on the armchair.
She stares at Ares, trembling slightly. “I would never hurt Rhys,” she says softly. “And if that means I have to be loyal to you, too, then that’s what I’ll do.”
My chest fills with pride. Fallon is innocent and breakable, but she’s also brilliant. She knows exactly what Ares needs to hear.
Something like approval flickers through his eyes. “Good answer.”
I stand in front of her. “Are we done?”
“For now.”
Fallon exhales, and with Basil clutched to her chest, she stands at the window, stroking the other plants. No doubt talking them out of helping her strangle someone.
Ares notices and brushes me aside to get near her. “You have quite the indoor garden going here”.
He’s too fucking close.
“Thank you,” she answers softly, smoothing a leaf between her fingers. “They help keep my mind calm.”
The room tilts for a second, not because of what she said, but because of how naturally she says it.
Ares shifts in his stance. “You need help staying calm in your own apartment?”
She hesitates, and my chest locks. What hasn’t she told me?
“Sometimes…” she murmurs, eyes drifting out the window. “I worry Kosta might show up.”
My jaw tightens, and the air goes dead.
Who in fuck’s sake isKosta?
Ares grins like he knows I’m about to detonate. “I’ll take my leave. Goodbye, Miss Nova.”
“Goodbye, Ares,” she says calmly.
“I’ll be in touch.” I’m ready to shove him out, but he’s already striding through door.
My fake relationship is deepening. But it’s also a noose around my neck that just tightened.
I shut the door and turn to Fallon to ask who this Kosta arsehole is.
Chapter 22
Fallon
“Ithink I handled that very well,” I say to Basil, carrying him back to the windowsill.
‘He asked a lot of questions,’Fern comments.
“He’s a powerful man. This is serious.” I fill up the watering can and give them a smile so they don’t worry about me. “Drinks are on me!”
