Page 33 of Betrayed

I’d probably need one strong enough for elephants.

I smile into my cup of tea.

I turn as Lucian walks into the room, shirtless, jeans half-zipped, hair a mess from sleep and sex.

His eyes land on the notebook.

Then on me.

“Your plan?”

I nod.

He crosses the kitchen in three slow, silent steps, and I feel the air shift around him, thick with warning.

“You’re not going after him alone.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“You’re thinking it.” He pins me with that steel gaze.

I say nothing.

Definitely would need more than tranquilizers to keep him here.

“Did you get in touch with Cass?” I ask.

He sinks into the seat beside me with a heavy breath. “The men did. Cass said you’d better make it back so she can, and I quote, ‘find some way to kick your bony ass. I’m so mad I don’t even need legs to do it.’”

“She’s going to run me over with her wheelchair, isn’t she?”

“Let’s hope she gets the chance.”

His heavy words give me a shiver, reminding me of the constant danger we’re under.

“And Ryan?” I ask.

“Ryan is too busy making friends to be too worried about Aunt Rin; he assumes she’s having sleepovers with her cool boyfriend, Lucian.”

“Which I am.”

“Erin,” he sighs, “if this is what you consider a sleepover, you have more issues than I thought.”

I shake my head. “You have no idea.”

He eyes me.

“Did I say that aloud?” I blink at him.

He grins. “I’ve got them covered. They’re safe. She said she can do it on her own, but not knowing how long we'll be gone, I hired an aide to stay with her.”

“Oh my god!” I exhale with a whoosh, “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Will I ever be able to pay him back?

“Welcome.” He taps his finger three times against the tabletop. “Now, let me hear your plan.”

His gaze is too intense. I hop up from my seat, this time managing not to topple the chair in my haste.