My stomach tightened. “Go on.”
Trace let out a slow breath. “That party Skye was at. It was Enzo’s party.”
I felt my fists clench, the familiar heat rising in my chest.
Hearing that niggas name made every protective instinct I had flare up like wildfire. I’d been holding my anger back ever since Skye asked me to leave him alone. But now? Knowing that he was there, and it washisshit. All bets were off.
“Why am I not fucking surprised?” I said, teeth grinding slightly.
“Yeah. I got you the guest list, some photos…enough to make a move when the time’s right. But don’t make a move untilyou’ve looked at everything. You don’t know his role in any of this yet.”
I exhaled slowly, trying to force the anger down. “Don’t worry. I’ll be cool. But I’m going to handle his ass when the time comes.”
“I know you will,” he said. “I’ll let you know if I come across anything else.”
“Cool.”
I hung up and leaned against the wall, jaw tight. I closed my eyes for a second, picturing Skye curled up in bed…soft, safe, oblivious to the rage and protection surging through me. I hated that she had to carry any of this with her, hated that people like Enzo even existed. But I’d fix it. I’d make it right.
After a moment, I returned to the bedroom, quietly slipping back under the covers. I kissed Skye’s temple, letting my lips linger as my hands found their old place along her back.
“You’re safe,” I whispered. “Always.”
Her arms instinctively wrapped around me tighter, even in sleep, and I let the moment stretch. For all the anger and frustration waiting for me outside these walls, for all the plans I had to make and battles I had to pick…this was the part I’d never let anyone touch.
I thought about Enzo, thought about the information Trace had dug up. I imagined the confrontation, the sheer force I’d bring to it when the time came. I’d been holding back, letting Skye heal, letting her lead the pace. But that pause was over. I’d strike at the first opportunity, and I’d make damn sure Enzo understood what he’d done.
34
SKYE
The morning sun hit the balcony just right. I leaned against the railing, letting the breeze whip through my hair. For a few minutes, I felt at peace. Like I could take a deep breath without carrying all the tension from last night.
I pulled out my phone and called Nyx.
She picked up on the first ring. “Hey, girl. How are you feeling?”
I shrugged. “Better than I did last night.”
“Well, that’s a plus. How did everything end?”
“Crazy,” I admitted. “When I walked back inside after talking to you, Ocean looked like he was about to murder Kory.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes! Then Leera walked in and everything just got worse. Long story short, she took Kory’s side and kicked us out.”
“Damn.”
“Yep, but looking back, I shouldn’t have expected anything less. She hasn’t wanted to hear the truth in all this time. Why would I think any of that had changed?”
“You were hopeful, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” Nyx said softly.
“Yeah, I was.”
“But, at least Ocean had your back like I knew he would.”
I smiled at the thought. “I know, which I’m so grateful for. That man really showed up and showed out for me.”
