“Genetically modified, maybe. A super soldier. He looks tense. I think he needs chamomile and ashwagandha in his coffee,” Scarlett muses.
The girls banter, and I blink.
Aria leans in and whispers, “Every book has a good story. Even the scary ones. Ilovethe scary ones.”
“But she picked a golden retriever, make that make sense,” Scarlett stage whispers. “Honestly, I think she’s seen too much shit at the ER and it’s messed with her common sense.”
Something inside me loosens—an ache that’s taken residence under my ribs since the wedding. For a moment, I feel like my old self again.
The two girls chat about hospital gossip. Aria talks about the new research wing under construction. I bite back a smile, not mentioning my family’s donation is paying for it. Instead, I make a mental note to email Chicago Memorial’s PR department and connect them with my replacement at Fleur for their joint media tour.
“I’m homesick,” I begin, and they swivel their heads toward me. “Any cures?”
Scarlett winks, her bangles jangling on her wrist. “I’ve got just the drink for you.”
“Welcome to your home away from home.” Aria runs to the shelves and returns with a book.
Wuthering Heightsby Emily Brontë.
“Matching me with heartbreak?” I say wryly. My mind flashes to a man with dark hair and a dangerous scar, who clutches me against him like he never wants to let go.
Aria smiles. “No. More like obsession and eternal love. And gothic, spooky atmospheres. Something you can sink your teeth into.”
An old ache flares. The images merge inside my mind—warm green eyes morphing into cutting emeralds, lost promises and words carved on a tree.
“Hey! We’re going to a new club in two weeks. It’s so hard to get in. You should come with. You can meet Blake!” Aria exclaims.
I stare at the friendly faces and shove my melancholy away.
New friends in a new place. Action, not reaction.
“Sure.” I grin. Maybe a night out will turn things around. And if my overbearing husband has an issue with it, that’s his problem, not mine.
The girls squeal, and I glance outside.
A dark sedan with tinted windows idles at the curb across the street, exhaust puffing out in dark plumes. Hair rises on my forearms. Ren stands sentry, his hand clutching his phone, his jaw clenched, brows pinched.
Like he’s worried.
Chapter 26: PRISON BREAK
My happiness dims themoment I return to the house.
Elias leans against the foyer wall, which is strange to begin with. The man usually barricades himself inside his office.
Is he waiting for me?
My heart trembles like it’s excited.
You’re nuts, Lana. Nothing good can come from the Shadow King waiting for you. We arenotexcited about him. At all.
He hums under his breath, one hand holding a crimson book, the other playing with his damn lighter again. He stills, appearing to be completely engrossed in his reading.
The man isn’t a fast reader, judging by how quickly he turns the pages. His finger trails over the paper. He studies the text like he’s trying to memorize it. Or peel apart the words and find the hidden meaning underneath.
Who knows? I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s probably memorizing for fun, the unhinged monster.
Click. Click. Click.
