Tears sprung into her eyes at the sound of his voice. “Brayden. Yes, it’s me. I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to see you. I’ve been asking, but it took Elestine’s help to get this phone call. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I mean, it’s jail, so it obviously sucks, but I’m fine. I know you’d be here if you could. It’s so good to hear your voice. Is Cass with you? I’ve been worried sick.”
He sounded so calm, like this wasn’t the first time they’d spoken in days. To be fair, he was probably highly aware of the officer listening in. Hearing his voice was both a comfort and a torture, the way it made her miss him so badly. She hadn’t thought she could miss him more.
Scarlett tried her best to sound as calm as he did even as a tempest of emotions rushed through her. “Cass stepped out for a moment, but she’s in the building, yes. She’s been with me constantly since your arrest.”
He sighed. “That’s a relief. Did you talk to my dad?”
“Yes. He’s waiting for more news from the lawyer. We all are.”
“Good,” said Brayden. “I saw the lawyer earlier. He seems competent.”
“Good.” She bit her lip, deciding in a split second to let everything out regardless of the cop listening in. “Brayden, I love you,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “I’ve been thinking about you constantly. I can’t sleep because I’m worried about you, wondering if you’re cold or sad…” She trailed off, taking a gasping breath.
“Sweetheart, I know you do. I love you too.”
There it was—the way he spoke only toher. She was relieved to hear the warmth in his voice. “I’m sorry I’ve caused so much trouble for you.”
“Don’t apologize. I came here to defend you. I’ve missed yousofucking much.” His voice was low and full of longing.
Her breathing became shallow as she thought back to the night he got arrested and how she’d wanted to spend it. “I wish we’d stayed home that night. I was so excited to be alone with you when we got back, to sleep in the same bed—”
“Excuse me,” interjected the officer on the line. “Just a reminder, this is a recorded call. Please cease the bedroom talk.”
“Of course, Officer,” Scarlett said, panicking. “Apologies. Please don’t end the call.”
“Go ahead, then,” the officer said after a moment.
“How’s work?” Brayden asked.
“There have been some positive developments.” Her mind raced as she tried to think of ways to tell him what was happening so that only he would understand.
“Oh?”
“Our biggest priorities are getting a lot of attention,” said Scarlett, wishing she could tell him everything.
“Hmm,” said Brayden. “That sounds positive.”
What would he say if he knew what I’d planned?
“He’d be happy you’re not going to stay at Alastair’s house,” said Nori.
Scarlett snorted.True, but what would he think about everything else?
“Just promise me you’ll stay with Cass,” said Brayden. “If I lose you while I’m stuck here…”
Scarlett’s heart pounded. “I’m going to work with her tonight, actually. She got a one-time gig she didn’t want to turn down. It should be fun.” She sounded awkward and she knew it, but she wanted to give him as much of the truth as she could.
He was silent for several seconds. “That sounds interesting. And Beni?”
“He’ll be with Elestine.”
He let out a loud sigh. “I see.”
Scarlett sighed in frustration. She was probably giving him enough information to make him worrymore. “With Elestine’s security, her home is probably the safest place in the city while Cass is working. Alastair isn’t involved at all.”
“Sure,” he said. “As long as you’re both safe.” He sounded distant and calm again, and she hated it even though she understood.
