Quinton turns around with a glass of water in his hand, brows furrowed as his gaze floats to the large cell phone on the table. “That’s the satellite phone.” He passes me the water before reaching over and grabbing the device. His jaw tightens.
“What is it?” I ask, bringing my knees to my chest as I study his reaction intently. “Is something wrong?”
Quinton shakes his head, glaring at the screen. “It’s nothing.”
I frown at him. “I thought you’re not a fan of falsities?”
His gaze briefly darts in my direction, and I can see him contemplating his next move. To lie or not to lie. I tilt my head to the side, patiently waiting for him to show me his true colors. After several loaded seconds, Quin sighs and hands me the phone.
“It appears Cavanaugh is more resourceful than I gave him credit for.”
I blink, reading the message on the analog screen.
You took her from me. I will take everything from you.
Sent from an unknown number. A tinge of fear grips my heart.
“Maybe I should call him…” I hum, glancing sheepishly at Quin. “You don’t think he’d do something stupid, do you?”
“I doubt it.” Quinton scoffs, taking the phone back. He dials a number, bringing it to his ear. “But just in case…” A muffled voice on the other end picks up. “George, I need you to double up on security. No one without a formal invitation is allowed access to the resort, is that clear? Double-check staffers too.” A pause. “No need. We’ll take the chopper up.” He nods. “We shall see you in a couple of hours.”
The jet begins its descent as I ask, “Who’s George?”
“Head of security for my family,” Quin replies, arching over me. He grabs the seatbelt, and pulls it over my lap, securing me in place. “It’ll all be fine, darling.” He offers me a small smile. “You’re safe with me. I promise.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek, a sudden burst of nervousness gripping my stomach. It’s not me that I’m worried about right now. I’m not the one on the pointy side of Damon’s sword.
Quin is.
Becauseof me.
THE INQUISITION
QUINTON
As the chopperdescends into Meille Resort, I glance over at Emery, my heart rattled with apprehension. A woman weeping whilst you’re inside of her cannot be a good sign. It cannot mean that you’retheone. But maybe I can beaone. A choice. I can’t force her to see what I see. What I feel. What I know wecould betogether.
Christ, I sound like a desperate sap of a schoolboy. What has she done to me? What spell has she cast? How unnerving. How utterly miserable in a sense.
I steal another glance at Emery as she sits quietly, her gaze fixed on the breathtaking scenery unfolding before us. Mountains rise in the distance, their snowcapped peaks piercing the dimming sky. As the chopper lands, I can't rip my gaze away from her, completely mesmerized by the way her eyes sparkle.
The moment we step off the chopper, the scent of pine and fresh snow greets us. Emery inhales deeply, her face relaxing into a soft smile. I fight the urge to clasp her hand in mine, knowing she’s not fully mine to claim. Not yet.
We walk side by side, my body aching to be closer to hers, to comfort her, but I know I need to be patient. I know I need to let her make every first move until it becomes her natural reaction.
We approach the main villa, the building tall and historic, the architectural design a perfect combination of country charm and contemporary prestige. The large windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and I soak in the exterior warmth of the resort, knowing that a cold front awaits us on the inside.
Emery gasps, grabbing her chest as the grand door swings open and Sophie bursts out, charging toward me at full speed.
Oh, they’re already here.Lovely.
“Quinny!” she squeals, suffocating me in her surprising vice grip. “Oh, how I’ve missed you, darling!” She grabs my cheeks with both hands, inspecting my face. “Glad to see you no longer look like a street fighter.” She snaps her nosy head in Emery’s direction. “Hello there. I’m Sophie Marquis. Quinny’s older sister. You are…?”
Emery blinks. “I’m?—”
Sophie bursts out in a hearty laugh, waving her hand before going in for a hug. “Emery! Yes, I know who you are!” Sophie rocks her side to side, Emery’s stunned side-eye forcing me to rein in my own laugh. “I’m kidding. I know who you are.”
“You do?” Emery draws out, slightly frowning.
