“In so many words.” Despite everything, a ghost of a smile tugs at my lips. “She's something else.”
“She's perfect for you.” Logan glances at me. “Which is probably why Helena hates her. Emma makes you stronger. Harder to control.”
“Helena can't stand anything she can't control.”
“Like mother, like son.” At my sharp look, he raises a hand. “I mean that as a compliment. You both play the long game. The difference is, you actually have a conscience.”
The gates appear ahead, wrought iron twisted into elaborate patterns. I punch in my code, half-expecting it to be deactivated. The gates swing open without protest.
“Arrogant,” Logan mutters. “They didn't even bother to change the codes.”
“Why would they? They don't think I'm a threat.”
We wind up the long driveway, gravel crunching under the tires. The mansion looms ahead, a monument to old money and older secrets. Every window is dark. The fountain in the courtyard gurgles softly, the only sound in the eerie stillness.
“Feels wrong,” Logan says, his hand drifting toward his jacket.
“It does. There should be security patrolling.” I scan the shadows, every nerve on alert. “Stay sharp.”
We park near the front entrance and step out. The night air is cold, carrying the scent of damp earth and roses. Footsteps crunch against gravel as we approach the massive double doors.
“Where is everyone?” Logan murmurs. “Staff, security...”
“I don't know.” My skin prickles with unease. The house should be buzzing with activity. Instead, it feels hollow. Abandoned.
We climb the steps. I raise my hand to knock.
The blow comes from behind. A sharp explosion of pain at the base of my skull. The world tilts, colors bleeding into darkness.
“Logan!” I try to shout, but my voice is swallowed by the rushing black.
I hear him curse, the scuffle of boots on gravel, a muffled thud. Then nothing.
Darkness swallows me whole.
CHAPTER 44
THE LATE NIGHT
EMMA
I've showered,changed into pajamas, made tea I didn't drink, and reorganized the throw pillows twice. Dance class wore me out, but sleep is impossible. The penthouse feels too big tonight, the silence pressing against my chest.
Kai said he might be late. I told myself I'd be fine.
The screen on my phone glows. Already past midnight. This isn't late. This is wrong.
I call him. It rings once, twice, three times before going to voicemail. I hang up without leaving a message and try again. Same result.
My thumb hovers over Logan's name. Maybe they're together. Maybe there's a simple explanation.
Straight to voicemail.
The panic starts in my chest. A familiar tightening that steals my breath. I sink onto the couch, pressing my fists into my thighs.Focus, Emma. Breathe.In through your nose, out through your mouth.
The exercises don't work. Not tonight. Not when every worst-case scenario is clawing at the edges of my mind.
Kai wouldn't do this. He learned. He texts, he calls, he sends voice messages. He knows what silence does to me. If he could reach out, he would.
