Page 60 of Deceived Wrath

“Thanks.”

“Sorry I couldn’t be of much more help.”

“You’ve done more than enough, Zo.”

“So, what are you going to do about Joe?”

“What do you mean?”

“Clearly, Amber needs you, Fi. She’s six years old, and she’s in the hospital. She must be scared shitless, and she doesn’t have her mom anymore. You’re the next best thing.”

“Believe me, I want to be there for her. I hate that she had to steal her dad’s phone just to talk to me. But I can’t figure out how to get Joe to cooperate. He’s… useless.”

“That’s the polite way of putting it. What he should do is put whatever issue you two have to the side and focus on what is best for Amber.”

“I’m not holding on to hope that he’s going to suddenly mature.”

“Well…there is always another way.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

Zoe is quiet for a beat before she whispers down the phone. “My uncle, the one involved in, you know…organized crime.”

“Zoe, hell no.”

“Why not? Maybe he could look into Joe. See if there’s something you can use to?—”

“Absolutely not.” I shake my head, even though she can’t see it. “The last time I trusted anyone from that world, my sister ended up betraying me and, well…you know the rest.”

“I do, but?—”

“But nothing. Carlydiedbecause I got involved with people like your uncle.”

People like Lorcan.

Like Cormac.

“I will never make that mistake again.” I try to ignore the phantom feeling of Cormac’s hands on my body, his lips on my neck, of that raw force that left me shaking with need.

God, why can’t I stop thinking about him?

“If you’re sure…”

“I’m sure.”

“Well, I should let you get your beauty sleep.”

“Is that code for I’m being a bitch and you don’t want to talk to me anymore?”

Zoe laughs. “Honestly? Yes.”

“Sometimes, I wonder why you’re friends with me.”

“Only sometimes?”

I huff a laugh.

“Sleep well, Fi.”