Page 58 of Pretty When She Breaks

“If you don’t like it, let me know. We still have a bit of time to make changes,” I said, my face reddening a bit.

“I’m sure it’s perfect,” he said, waving me off. He took a sip of his own tea before leaning back and lacing his hands together. “So, tell me you have a special bit of news that couldn’t wait until next time?”

I did. I had one extremely juicy bit of news that was perfect for buttering him up before I asked for a favour. One that I was supposed to be using to help find Jule.

“Rohan Wright’s been meeting with my father’s people. And he visited my suite.”

Soren took another sip from his cup, his glittering eyes the only giveaway that he was particularly excited. Rohan and Soren very publicly didnotlike each other, and I figured he’d be pleased with anything I could get on the owner of KDH Records.

“He brought some guests, too, actually. A new band he’d signed. I think they were celebrating.”

Well, Rohan had been celebrating. The alphas he’d had with him had looked uncomfortable in the suite, avoiding the fights as much as politely possible.

“New band, hmm?” Soren said, raising an eyebrow.

“Alpha Impulse? Something like that. Didn’t say what kind of music, but they had that pretty, boy-band look.”

Soren hummed happily, his eyes going far away as someplot or another started to form in his brain. I drank more tea while I waited.

“Well, what exciting news,” Soren said eventually. “Those unfortunate boys must have a lot of promise if he’s personally dragging them round with him. Did you have anything else?”

“Actually.” I smiled at him, hiding my nerves. “I wanted to ask for your help with something.”

Soren lowered his pink shades to look at me properly, and I shifted in my chair. All the warmth had gone from his face, hardened in a second.

I forced myself to continue. “I have a friend in town. Unfortunately, he lost his passport and all his documents, so we need new ones urgently.” I hesitated, giving a nervous blink that I hoped he didn’t see. “And a place to stay. I was hoping you could pull some strings with my father? Say he’s a friend who’s visiting and get him a villa at the Crimson Palace...”

I managed to hold his gaze for another moment, then broke it to take another sip of tea, forcing my hands not to shake.

Soren let out a sigh, sitting up straighter in his chair, and a tired expression came onto his face that aged him. He scrubbed his face with his hand, then adjusted his sunglasses. “Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time,” he said, sliding a smile back onto his face. His eyes were glacial.

“Before what?”

“Before you asked me for a favour, like everyone else. You played the long game, Laurel, so I’ll give you credit for that.”

The words stung, and my heart sank.

“I’m not asking for a favour,” I said, twisting my dress in my hands. “I’m asking for help. From a friend.”

He leaned forward, folding his arms in his lap. The silence stretched between us, and I was just about to take the lossand excuse myself when Soren abruptly burst into laughter. His whole posture shifted back into his normal, relaxed state.

“You know what, that was very convincing,” he said, waving a hand in my direction. “I’ll help you. Don’t get used to this, though. It’ll undermine my reputation.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling like I was able to breathe again.

“So, a cover and a villa, you said? For this…male friend of yours?” he pressed, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” I said, and Soren smirked. I felt my cheeks heating.

“And you’re surethat’swhat you want me to do? Nothing else?”

I shook my head.

No, I desperately wanted his help finding Jule, but I couldn’t ask about that anymore.

Soren chuckled again. “Look, if your dad finds you two sneaking around, I’m washing my hands of the whole thing. Send a picture to Lyra, and she’ll get you the documents.”

Sneaking around?