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I let out a dry chuckle. “Thanks, Lars. You look… uh, busy.”
She rolls her eyes, throwing a thumb over her shoulder as Oliver and Emma wrestle near the fridge. “You have no idea. I can’t get these two to bed for the life of me. They’ve been bouncing off the walls all night.”
“Looks like you’ve got your hands full,” I say, rubbing my hand over my chin. “What’s their deal tonight?”
“Oliver’s been on this weird reptile kick. Keeps talking about snakes and spiders. You know how much I hate snakes.” She pulls a face, then yells over her shoulder, “Guys, seriously, I’m on the phone!”
I laugh, for real this time. “Want me to take him to the zoo again? He can terrorize me with snake facts instead.”
“God, yes. You’ll save me from another lecture about how ‘snakes are misunderstood.’” She mimics Oliver’s voice, and it makes me smile.
“Alright. I’ll take them soon. Promise.”
“Thank you, seriously.” She sighs, looking genuinely relieved. But then her smile falters as she studies me. “Wait, you called me. You okay? You look… off.”
I hesitate, running a hand through my hair. How the hell do I explain this? Without giving too much away?
“I’m fine,” I lie, the words coming out too quickly. “Just wanted to check in.”
Her eyes narrow. “Alright. But call me soon. We’ll figure out the zoo thing. And hey—don’t be a stranger.”
“Yeah. Sure. Tell the kids I’ll take them soon.”
“Will do. Alright, kids, say goodnight to Uncle James!”
“Night, Uncle James!” they call in unison, their voices a chaotic jumble that makes me grin, despite everything.
I hang up and exhale slowly, staring at the empty screen. For a moment, I’m steady. But it doesn’t last.
My phone buzzes with a message.
Dameon
Get down to Eden. NOW.
Cora's in Le Jardin tonight.
What. The. Fuck?
My blood goes cold, then hot in the span of a second.
Le Jardin?
What the fuck is she doing in Le Jardin?
Without thinking, I grab my keys and storm out of my villa, shooting off a quick response to Dameon.
On my way.
The engine roars to life, tires squealing as I speed out of the driveway. The city flies by in a blur of red lights and asphalt, each passing second feeding the fire burning in my veins. Every mile stretches endlessly, though I push harder on the accelerator, hardly noticing the speed.
By the time I skid into Eden’s underground garage, my blood pressure has hit a new high. I fling the car door open without a second thought, shoes pounding against the polished concrete as I race inside.
Dameon is leaning casually against a window in the foyer, his arms crossed.
“Where is she?” I demand.
“Jesus, would you calm down?” he hisses, glancing nervously at the security guards. “You’re going to get us kicked out.”