Page 73 of The Devil’s Lair

He stares at me for a few seconds longer, then sighs and slides his phone from his pocket. Relieved he’s dropped his special brand of questioning, I take out my phone, but instead of answering emails as I usually would, I text Rebecca.

Hi. Almost home. How have you been?

There’s no reply, and I don’t expect one. She’s probably busy with Isla and isn’t even looking at her phone. I slide it back into my pocket. It immediately vibrates. I take it back out.

Wren

All good here. Isla has missed you.

I almost type “Have you?” but it feels manipulative, like she’d say yes out of politeness, when I want her to say yes because it’s true.

I’ve missed her. Don’t forget it’s the family dinner tonight.

The first Friday of each month, Dad insists we eat a meal together. It’s his way of ensuring we stay connected, especially considering the size of our empire. We’re so busy with our own lives, if Dad didn’t have this rule, it’d be easy for weeks to pass where we might not see one another.

Wren

I haven’t forgotten. Is it weird that I still get nervous even though this is my third?

I smile.

I’ll be right beside you.

Wren

know.

Three dots appear, then vanish. I stare at my phone, willing her message to come through. The conversation has naturally come to an end even though I didn’t want it to. I want to keep talking to her. This is the happiest I’ve been all week.

Wren

I missed you, too.

My stomach flips.

Same. See you soon.

Xan side eyes me. “Biggest smile I’ve seen on your face all week.” He strokes his chin like a pantomime villain. “Wonder why that is.”

“Fuck off.”

He laughs. “It’s okay to admit you like her, Tobias, and I’m not saying as a friend.”

“I do like her. As a friend.”

“You do know you’re a terrible liar.”

“And you’re a nosy fucker. Butt out of my business.”

He laughs again. “There’s nothing better than being in love.”

“I’m not in love.” Little does he know I can’t fall in love, because love means intimacy and sex, and I’m incapable of both.

“Not yet, no. Give it time.”

He’ll be waiting decades. There’s no point in continuing the conversation, though. Let him think he’s won this round. Xan loves nothing more than to win, and I’m too tired to come up with a joke.

It’s after seven when we arrive home. I shoot straight upstairs to take a quick shower and change for dinner. After knocking on Rebecca’s door and getting no answer, I head downstairs to the dining room. My gaze locks onto her the second I enter, like a fucking homing beacon. She’s mid conversation with Victoria and Nicholas, so animated that I stand on the periphery and just watch her.