Page 64

KLAUS

She's a liability.

With every passing day, she's sinking her roots into this home. She's becoming a part of our lives. The kids already adore her.

I should cut the cord before it's too late.

But for whatever reason, I can't bring myself to do it.

I sit in my armchair and stare out the window. I have other things I need to do right now, but none of it feels significant anymore.

I watch her leave in the black Benz. Once she's outside the mansion gates, she'll be free to take her own car.

I wonder where she's going tonight.

Despite telling myself I wouldn't, I placed hidden cameras in her bedroom. I watched her as she got ready for the night.

I can't help myself. I can't get her soft curves and pretty eyes out of my head. Her skin looked iridescent under the moonlight, like she had mermaid scales for skin.

I wonder if she's going to see someone tonight.

I wonder if she has a man in her life.

A part of me wants to keep her all for myself, but I know that's not realistic. A man like me can never love a woman.

My phone starts ringing.

I stare at it.

I swear Alaric has uncanny timing. Every time I start slipping into the dark abyss of my mind, he reaches out in some way.

"Hey," I answer as I pick up.

"Oh my God, at least pretend to be excited when you hear from me," he says.

"I'm thrilled, can't you tell?" I say, leaning back in my chair.

"You missed out on a promising career in Broadway," he deadpans.

"It's their loss," I say.

"What are you doing tonight, man?" he asks. "I'm on my way back from the airport. We can meet for drinks at Elysium."

"Don't you want to rest?" I ask.

"I slept plenty on the plane," he answers.

I check my watch. It's late, but I know nothing good will happen if I stay at home thinking about the nanny all damn night.

"How far away are you?" I ask.

"I can be there in an hour."

"I'll see you there then."

After we hang up, I grab the keys to myLamborghini.

I've wanted to test a theory, and Elysium is the perfect place to do it.