The shrill of my ringtone breaks the tension. I take my phone from my pocket and stiffen at the sight of the name flashing across the screen. Anika.
I glance up to see Eden watching me carefully, her eyes burning with curiosity. Anika can wait, so I cancel the call, but as I go to tuck my phone away again, it rings out.
I sigh, giving an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I need to take this.”
She arches a brow, folding her arms over her chest. “Okay.”
I head for the back door, my heart starting to thud hard against my ribs. The moment I step outside, the cold air hits me, but it does nothing to cool the heat crawling up my spine. I stalk to the far end of the small garden and answer the call. “What?” I hiss.
“What thehellis this town?” Anika snaps. “It’s in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere, and I’m the only woman in heels.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes. “Anika,” I mutter, already knowing the answer before I ask, “where are you?”
“I told you, Kade. My father has business in the area. You refused to entertain the idea of doing some actual work so,” she sighs theatrically, “he sent me.”
My chest tightens. It feels like someone’s pressing a boot straight into my sternum.
Fuck. No. Not now.
“You can’t be here,” I say flatly.
She laughs. “You don’t own this shithole, Kade. And, honestly, you should be thanking me. If I secure new containers and ship routes, that’s more work for your club.”
“We don’t need more work,” I snap.
“Nonsense,” she cuts in smoothly. “It’s growth. And my father is very much expecting you to agree.” There’s a pause, then she casually adds, “So, should I start asking around for little miss pregnant so I can track you down, or are you coming to me?”
My heart slams so hard, it actually steals my breath.
I clench my fist at my side, nails biting into my palm. “Send me your location,” I order. “Then stay exactly where you are,” I say, my voice low and lethal. “Do not move.”
I end the call before she can respond, staring down at the phone like it might explode. Because Anika being in town isn’t just inconvenient, it’s dangerous.
And if Eden gets pulled into this mess . . .
I don’t finish the thought. I’m already moving.
Eden glances up from where she’s reading a magazine at the table. “Sorted?” she asks, her tone suspicious.
“Where did you say that B and B was?”
She narrows her eyes. “Continue straight on the main road through town. You’ll come to it.”
I nod, grabbing my kutte and tucking it under my arm. “Perfect. I’ll get out your hair.”
I head for the door.
“Wait.” I pause, my hand against the knob. “How long are you sticking around for?” she asks, her brows furrowed.
I glance back over my shoulder. “As long as it takes, Eden.” And then I leave before she starts asking more questions.
I spot Anika the second I round the corner.
She stands out like a sore thumb, her heels sinking slightly into uneven pavement, her cashmere coat pristine, her dark hair glossy and perfect like she’s stepped out of another world entirely. This town wasn’t built for women like her. Or problems like the one she represents.
She smiles when she sees me. Slow. Knowing.
“Well,” she drawls, eyes dragging over me, “aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”
