Page 58 of Cold Bastard

“There’s still a lot you have to prove.” But he gave her back the fork and took his mug. “Eat.”

Rolling her eyes at his tone, Zoe started eating. They both remained silent until most of her plate was empty. Only then did she take her cup of coffee to take a sip. Archer’s phone vibrated, and Zoe jumped in reaction. She touched the silent phone in her pocket and didn’t dare look at him. Instead, she circled both her hands around her mug and drank slowly, her eyes straight in front of her.

“Are you done? More coffee?”

Zoe only nodded, and got to her feet, putting her dishes in the sink, and topped her mug. And what next? When she turned, Archer was making his way to the living room. Meaning they were going to havethe talk. Another dead end.

Archer was standing in front of the wall of windows overlooking Chicago. The day looked bright and beautiful, with a clear blue sky and a bustling city, but she wasn’t sure what to do, so she remained standing.

“I meant it yesterday when I told you I don’t want you out of my sight. You’re coming to tonight’s event and you will be glued to my side. If that’s not possible, either Jones or Sorenson will remain with you. That’s not a request, it’s an order. As a matter of fact, I’ve increased security once more. And I have an appointment with Beatrice Dante for some last-minute details. In fact, she should arrive any minute now.”

Now Zoe was royally screwed and had to sit. And there was no way out of it all. It was like every decision or action she had taken to protect everybody in this mess was now turning against her. Maybe Beatrice would act as if nothing had happened. Fat chance, but a girl could hope.

A knock at the door brought her back to reality. Zoe got to her feet as if to answer the door, but Archer shook his head, putting his mug on the coffee table. Unable to sit still, Zoe followed him. When he opened the door, time froze. Beatrice was there, with Lazarus King, Archer’s half-brother. Hell was about to break loose and she would witness it, front and center.