Page 64 of Perfect Rhythm

When I made it to the front desk, there was a gray haired gentleman talking on the phone. As soon as he saw me, he smiled and motioned for me to come closer.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Fenton,” he greeted as he hung up the phone.

I frowned, trying to figure out how he knew my name. I didn’t recall seeing him last night—not that I really had the chance. I was rushed upstairs to Shade’s penthouse so fast, I barely noticed anyone in the lobby.

“Um, hi. I’m assuming that since you know me, you probably know who I’m here to see.”

“Of course. Mr. Shade, correct?”

“Yes. So, if you could just call him and have him send someone down with my car keys, that would be great.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Thank you.” I turned around, my eyes looking over the building that reminded me of a luxury hotel.

Polished marble floors stretched beneath my feet, with gold accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that let the sunlight in like it was invited.

“Alright, he’s sending someone down to get you.”

“To get me?” I hurried back toward the desk. “No, I didn’t need anyone to come get me. I just wanted someone to bring me my keys. Oh, and my phone.”Shit, I forgot to ask for that.“Did you tell him what I said?”

“Yes, I did, and he said that he would have someone come down to get you.”

My shoulders dropped.Of course, he did.

“Welcome back,” Trace said as he strolled around the corner and motioned for me to come his way.

“No need for all of that. I just came to get my keys. Can you go back up there and get them for me?”

He shook his head. “That’s not what I was instructed to do.”

“Okay, but it’s whatI’masking you to do. I don’t need to go up there.”

I glanced at the private elevator. I was in way too much turmoil to be alone with Shade. Not to mention, I was still alittle pissed at him for adding to the embarrassment that I was already facing with the Eli shit.

“Why not?” Trace questioned.

I could see the smirk dancing at the corner of his mouth, which only irritated me more.

“Because I just can’t. I’m mad at him right now.” I chose those words over the ones I truly didn’t want to say out loud.

“Really?” Trace folded his arms over his chest. They were so big. I could only imagine how many necks he’d snapped. “Do explain.”

“What do you mean? You were there? You saw the way he humiliated me.”

“The wayhehumiliated you? If my memory serves me correctly, it was your weak ass boyfriend that did that, and Shade handled him for putting his hands on you.”

“Ex-boyfriend,” I corrected. “Also, I don’t need anyone handling anything for me. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“Yeah, well, now that you’re messing around with Shade, taking care of yourself is the last thing he’s going to allow you to do. Now, let’s go,” Trace said as he reached for my arm.

I yanked away before he could touch me. “Who the hell said I was messing around with Shade? I haven’t even been single for a full twenty-four hours.”

Trace dropped his head, then turned around slowly, his irritation becoming clearer by the second. “Look, you may think you have control over this little situation, but you don’t.” He chuckled lightly. “I’ll admit, I thought he was barking up the wrong tree when whatever this is first started. But after seeing the two of you together, I already know he’s not going to let you get away. He has you. You just haven’t decided to admit it yet.”

My frown deepened.

I didn’t know if I should’ve been offended or?—