I shake the Atlantean’s hand, which is firm and cold, nothing like her daughter’s silken warmth. “Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Serran.”
Monta ambles into the foyer, reaching out a hand. “And I’m?—”
Dorian slots his body between us, thankfully forcing Monta’s arm down. “Not her father.”
“Now, Dorian…” Monta protests.
“Dorian, can you take Gael to the living room?” Electra asks.
The brim of my cap is soaked now. Has the navy turned black? Can the women sense my elevated heartbeat?
“Please come in,” Malika says.
I feel like a vampire just granted entry into the house of his next victim, which is ironic since I’m the one walking into the monster’s den. The Atlanteans might not drink blood, as some in the organization believe, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous.
“Actually, now’s not a good time, Mom.”
Couldn’t agree more…
Electra crosses her arms over the loose-fitting black T-shirt, the hem of which flirts with her navel. “Can you give Cillian and me a moment?”
“Yes. Of course.” Malika smiles like she knows a secret. “See you tomorrow?”
“Absolutely, ma’am.”
As she walks away, Electra hisses, “Ma’am?”
I swallow as my pulse finally slows.
“How did you get here?” Electra asks.
“I drove. Nice garage by the way.”
“No, I meant,up here.”
“Oh. Before I leftBloom’s, I ran into Mrs. Murphy, who traded me her key fob for a few of these. Here.” I hold out the bakery box.
It takes Electra almost a full minute to relieve me of it.
“She told me about your underground parking and the Penthouse elevator.”
“I imagine I also have Fiona to thank for giving you my address?”
“No. That was Jen, actually.”
Her eyes taper. “How the hell does she know where I live?”
“Prior deliveries, I imagine. I didn’t ask, I just… Well, I was glad for the information since I texted you multiple times since last night, but you never replied.”
“I meant breakfast tomorrow. Did I forget to write that?”
“You did.” I add a smile. “I hope you like the scones. Mrs. Bloom asked for the recipe, so I think they’re good.”
Electra’s gaze drops to the green bakery boxstamped with theBloom’s Bloomslogo. “You made these?”
“I did. Cost me a drink tonight, though.”
Electra frowns.
