“Pardon me,” said the officer. “Your time is up. Please wrap up the call.”
“Thanks,” said Brayden brusquely. “Be careful, Scarlett.”
“I’ll call again first thing in the morning,” she said. “I love you so much.”
“Love you too.”
The call ended with a click.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-FIVE
As Beni, Cass, and Scarlett rode in a rented enclosed speedboat to the Spencer house, Scarlett prayed.Please, Goddess above, watch over us tonight. And help me find a way to free Brayden.
Security admitted them through the front gate, and after parking the boat, Cass and Scarlett walked Beni to the front door.
“Good evening.” Elestine beckoned them into the elegant foyer. “Beni, we’re having drinks in the garden, if you’d like to join us for dessert. Or I can also show you to your room if you’d like.”
Beni threw Scarlett a grateful look. “I’ll come out to the garden, but do you mind showing me my room first?”
“Of course,” said Elestine. “I’ll be back momentarily.”
Beni hugged Scarlett tight. “Be careful.”
“I will. Promise.”
Elestine walked away, and Beni waved to Scarlett as he followed after her, with his overnight bag slung over his shoulder. He’d also packed clothes for Scarlett to change into when she was done. She hoped she’d make it back to use them.
Alastair came into the foyer from the back garden, and Scarletthad to try hard not to let her irritation show on her face.
He looked her up and down. “Scarlett. You’re dressed like a thief. I couldn’t believe it when Mother told me you’re participating tonight—” He stopped, noticing Cass by the door. “Oh, you’re not alone.”
“She never is,” said Cass, with a disdainful look.
Since Cass had become Scarlett’s bodyguard, Alastair had seen her several times in passing and had yet to acknowledge he’d met her that night at the boxing match. Scarlett was sure he remembered, but she suspected he was too embarrassed at what Cass had overheard so was choosing to ignore her rather than acknowledge it. Or maybe he was just forgetful. Or an asshole. Or both.
Alastair faced Scarlett. “Why risk this? It’s too dangerous. Stay here tonight, where it’s safe. You trust me with Beni—why not stay here yourself?”
He reached out for her, but Scarlett shrugged him off. “I trust your mother, not you, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get justice and freehim.”
His eyes narrowed, and he glared down at her left hand. “I’m surprised you’re still wearing his ring. When will you realize you made a mistake?”
She snatched her hand away. “What mistake?”
“I thought when he went away, whatever he did to you would wear off.” He grabbed her by both shoulders, forcing her to look at him. “When are you going to wake up?”
“Stop,” she said, pulling away.
Cass stepped forward, but Scarlett signaled for her to stand down. She could handle Alastair. She pointed her finger at him. “You’re acting like he stole me from you. Do you not remember breaking upbeforeI left for Clair de Lune?” Her eyes were locked on his. “Listen closely, because I’m tired of explaining this. Ilovehim. I’d marry him again tomorrow. He hasn’tcompelled me. There’s nothing to wake up from. You just didn’t know me as well as you thought you did, and I certainly didn’t know you.”
Thick black smoke appeared above him, surprising her. But it was just a confirmation of her words. They weren’t close. Not anymore.
Alastair’s hands clenched and unclenched as his jaw ticked.
Elestine reappeared. “Right, I offered to have a soda brought to Beni in his room, and he took me up on it. It seems he’s got what he needs for the time being.” She frowned as she took in Alastair’s stormy expression, but he walked away, leaving the room before she could say anything.
“Thank you,” said Scarlett, relieved he was gone. “I appreciate you being so accommodating.”
