Page 26

Eden

“Have you always lived in Glenville?” I twisted on the car seat so I could look at the man beside me. “It seems an odd place for a hitman and a … a … what do you call yourself?”

His shoulders shook with his quiet laugh. “A fixer, I guess. I don’t really call myself anything other than Bishop. But to answer your question, no. I moved here a couple of years ago. Rook joined me a short while later.”

“What about your other brother … Knight?”

“He lives out of town. I’ll take you to meet him next week.”

“Why did you pick here to live?”

He glanced over at me before returning his attention to the road. “It’s quiet, out of the way. No commuter traffic. Perfect location for people who don’t want to be noticed.”

“Where are you from?”

“Not Glenville.” That dry note entered his voice again. One that I was beginning to think was something he did when he wanted to see how I’d react.

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. Don’t tell me.”

The corner of his mouth curled up. “Montana.”

“Could you be more specific?”

“I could.”

“But you won’t.”

“I don’t think it’s relevant. I haven’t lived there for a long time.”

“You don’t sound like you’re from Montana.”

One eyebrow shot up. “And how does someone from Montana sound?”

“Not like you.”

“Maybe I’ve worked on my accent to hide my roots.”

I tipped my head against the headrest and closed my eyes. “That would make sense. Is that what you did?”

He chuckled. “No, it was simply a natural byproduct of not going back there for twenty years.”

“Do your parents sound like they’re from Montana?”

“They’re not from Montana. They just lived there when we were kids.”

“You’re not very forthcoming, you know.” I opened my eyes and speared him with a glare. He wasn’t looking in my direction so didn’t notice.

“I’m not usually on the receiving end of questions. It’s my job to do that so I can build you the perfect new life.”

“But you’ve barely asked me anything.”

“I wouldn’t complain too much. Once I get started, you’ll feel like you’re in an interrogation with no means of escape. I thought we’d get through the weekend first, so you don’t behave like you want to kill me every time I open my mouth.”

“Is it that bad?”

“The last person I worked for threatened to cut out my tongue if I asked her another question. And that was after I delivered her to her handler.”

“Handler?”

“Everyone has a contact, a handler who helps them adjust to the new life we’ve created. They stay involved in your life for the first twelve months, at least. But they’re available beyond that if you need anything.”

“What did you mean by delivered her?”

“Once my part is over, I hand you off to one of my associates and that’s the last time we see each other. It’s safer for both of us that way.”

“I see.” I drew breath to ask another question, only to be cut off.

“We’re here.” He brought the car to a stop outside a sprawling one-story house.

The door to the house opened as I climbed out of the car, and Magdalena walked down the steps to meet us. Her smile was wide and bright.

“I’m so glad you came. I wondered if you’d change your mind.”

“I wouldn’t have allowed it.” Bishop passed us both and walked inside.

She waved her hands, putting on a gruff voice. “Just like his brother. Do this. Do that. I won’t allow this. Me man, you woman!” I wasn’t sure which of the two men she was impersonating, but her attempt made me laugh, all the same. “Sometimes I swear I’ll wake up and find myself barefoot and naked in a cave somewhere.”

“Sounds fun. I could start looking to see if there are any caves for sale.” Rook strolled through the door, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his trousers.

Magdalena turned red.

“I quite like the idea of you being naked all the time.”

“Rook!”

He came to a stop in front of her and dipped his head to press a kiss to her lips. “You’re the one throwing out ideas, Dall. I’m just working out how to make them happen.”

Her hand slid up his chest to hook around his neck. I turned away to give them a moment of privacy, and my eyes locked with Bishop’s, where he stood at the top of the steps, near the door. He crooked a finger at me, and I was halfway toward him before I realized I’d moved. The half-smile on his face told me he hadn’t missed my immediate reaction to his unspoken command.

“Rook is going to take you both into town. I’m going back to the house. If you need anything, call me. When you’re ready to come home, drop me a text or call. Give me half an hour to get there.” One hand lifted, and he pressed a finger beneath my chin to tilt my head up. “I need you to hear this, Eden, so focus. If I didn’t think you were safe here, I wouldn’t let you go off alone, but hear me. If you feel unsafe, or anything feels off at any point, call me . Listen to your gut. Your ex is a police officer, and they have a long reach. Don’t convince yourself that a bad feeling is just paranoia. Play it safe. If something feels suspicious, treat it as suspicious. Understand?”

I nodded.

“I need to hear you say it.” There was a new tone to his voice. Firm, uncompromising, forceful .

“If something feels wrong, I’ll call you.”

His hand dropped and he inclined his head. “Good girl.”