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“Not likely. I was pretty sure they took care of our phones so they can’t be tracked, but Holden would try to get a hold of Ruby and Tyler after our disappearance since they were at the café as well. But they’ll be untraceable with the jammer.” I raise her hand to my lips, the contact comforting. It’s nowhere the same as holding her in my arms, or kissing her, but it’s better than nothing.
I tell her what transpired during my quick visit upstairs, and she seems just as confused as I feel.
“You know, although this seems a bit extreme, after what you told me about your dad, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone came after him or even his family.”
I nod. “Yeah. And that old investor even told me my dad has made a lot of enemies and tried to warn me. But when he said my dad would drag me right down to Hell with him, I never pictured anything like this.”
We’re both quiet, and I can tell by Eve’s wandering gaze she’s deep in thought.
Once she’s done processing, she stares at me. I wish I could kiss away the frown lines on her forehead, but I can’t, so smoothing them out with my fingers is the next best thing.
“Thanks.” One side of her mouth quirks up and drops again. “You know what doesn’t make any sense though? If this has something to do with your dad, how do I fit into all of this?”
I was thinking the same thing. “Maybe we underestimated how deep his feelings run for you. He’s always looked at you a little more possessively than he should have.”
Eve hums but doesn’t say anything.
The silence hangs between us like a dark cloud until a panicked expression flitters across her beautiful face. “Do you really think we’ll make it out of here alive?”
Her voice is so quiet, so broken, it rips my heart wide open.
I can’t tell her that I don’t know. That I’m scared shitless. That no matter how hard we’ll try, it won’t be enough, and we’ll die here. An invisible weight presses on my chest for a moment, robbing me of breath.
“Yes.” The word shoots out of my mouth, and I swallow the sudden lump in my throat. “We will.”
She nods, but I’m not sure she believes me. I hate seeing her this worried, and a deep desire to ease that worry overcomes me.
Maybe we both need a distraction.
Eve—and her body—are my favorite escape, but for obvious reasons, that’s not possible right now. One of her favorite escapes is romance novels, and if it helps keep her mind busy, we might have a chance.
“Angel.”
“Yes?” Her mouth lifts a fraction at my nickname.
“Can I tell you a story?”
“Please.” Even the dim light can’t hide the spark in her eyes.
“All right.” I clear my throat. “Once upon a time, there was a very handsome prince, and he fancied his new friend’s younger sister. He’d never seen anyone as beautiful and sexy and magnificent as her, and when she smiled, his whole world tilted on its axis. She was the sunshine he never knew he was missing, and she quickly wormed her way into his heart. He?—”
Eve huffs a breath. “That’s one cheesy prince.”
I tap my finger on her nose. “Quiet in the audience, please.”
She presses her lips together but can’t hide the twitch at the corners. “Sorry, I’ll be good now. What happened next?”
Chapter 40
Evangeline
My eyes fly open, and I start.
“What was that noise?” I stare straight at Phoenix, and his wide eyes mirror mine.
Unease darts through my body, and I hastily glance over my shoulder to see if someone’s behind me.
My poor heart. I’m not sure how much more of this stress and anxiety it can take.