My pulse spikes. “Why do you have my phone?”
“I think your bodyguard tipped him off.”
I frown. “Bodyguard?”
“He’s been paying a man to follow you.”
The words don’t land all at once. They sink in slowly. Heavily.
“Why would he do that?” I ask.
“That,” Erik says quietly, “is exactly what I’m trying to tell you, Lee. Warren isn’t the man you think he is.”
“Give me my phone,” I say, my voice tight. “Let me speak to him.”
Erik glances toward the building, then back at me. “He’s already inside,” he says. “Let’s go.”
Anthony steps out of the building just as we reach the top step. He straightens his jacket like he’s bracing himself, then shoots Erik an irritated look before turning to me.
“I’ll take you home,” he says, already moving closer.
“She’s only just arrived,” Erik replies smoothly.
Relief floods me as Anthony’s hand settles at my lower back, grounding, protective. I turn with him, ready to leave this place behind—
“He’s getting engaged.”
The words stop me cold.
“Ignore him,” Anthony mutters close to my ear, his grip tightening slightly.
“To Nancy,” Erik adds, too casually. Deliberately.
Anthony exhales sharply. “Lee, get in the car.”
I don’t move. My chest feels hollow, like something vital has been scooped out in one clean motion. I turn back slowly. Erik is smiling now, watching me as though he’s waiting for something to break.
“They’re announcing it any minute,” he says.
“Shut up, Erik,” Anthony snaps. He turns to me, lowering his voice. “It’s not what you think.”
“What is he talking about?” I ask.
Anthony doesn’t answer right away. His eyes flick away, it’s enough to confirm what I already know in my heart.
My throat tightens as I turn back toward the steps. My legs move before my head catches up.
“Leoni, this is not the time to be stubborn,” Anthony warns, hurrying after me.
“I want to see him,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “I want to hear it from him.”
Erik chuckles softly. He winks at Anthony, and reaches for the door.
“Leoni,” Anthony says sharply, grabbing my arm. “I mean it. Get in the damn car.”
I pull free and take Erik’s offered hand, the betrayal burning hot in my chest as he leads me inside.
Behind me, Anthony swears under his breath, already lifting his phone to his ear. And I don’t need to see the screen to know exactly who he’s calling.
