Page 85 of Shadows of Steel

“Harlow, finally! You are alive!” she gasps dramatically. “I was beginning to think my dear cousin had been kidnapped by her new husband.”

I arch a brow, lips curving slightly. “Who says I haven’t?

Sofia gasps again, pressing a hand to her chest with theatrical delight. “Scandalous!”

“She’s being dramatic.” Elena cuts in dryly, her voice briefly muffled as the screen shifts. When she comes into view, her expression is flat, unimpressed, her features still softened with sleep.

She sighs, rubbing her temple. “Do you two have any idea what time it is here?”

I glance at the clock. Midafternoon for me, which means it must still be painfully early in Chicago.

Sofia shrugs. “Somewhere between too early for Elena to function and too late for her to be in a bad mood, but here we are.”

Elena gives a deadpan look. “It’s seven in the morning, Sof.”

Her sister waves a dismissive hand. “Exactly. A perfect time to start the day with gossip.”

Elena pinches the bridge of her nose, exhaling slowly. “I need coffee. And for you to have some self-control.”

Sofia grins at me. “Not happening. So, where are you, dear cousin?”

I exhale, sinking deeper into my chair. “Dante scheduled a spa day.”

Her eyes widen instantly. “Wait, he booked it for you himself?”

“Yes.”

She sighs wistfully, practically melting. “This is so romantic.”

Elena scoffs. “It’s controlling.”

Sofia gives her a look. “It’s considerate.”

Elena’s gaze doesn’t waver. “It’s possessive.”

I take a slow sip from my glass, an espresso martini, because if I’m being forced into relaxation, I might as well enjoy it properly. “Possessive and considerate can coexist. Dante has mastered the art.”

Sofia hums, clearly enjoying the idea. “I’m just saying, a man who forces me to relax is my kind of man. And this is a full spa day, right? Massage, facial, nails?”

“Elena would rather die.” I remark idly, watching as my nails are buffed to perfection.

She gives me a dry look. “Correct.”

Sofia sighs dramatically. “You have no appreciation for self-care. Harlow, back me up on this.”

I make a noncommittal noise.

Sofia’s eyes narrow. “So, you’re enjoying it?”

I take another sip of my drink, dragging it out. “I didn’t say that.”

Elena shakes her head. “She does.”

I ignore them, my gaze drifting toward the window as I change the subject. “Enough about me. Sofi, how’s your latest distraction?”

Her expression instantly brightens. “You mean Luca? Oh, he’s wonderful, charming, sexy, rich—but, my God, so boring when he talks about his business.”

Elena gives her a look. “Sof, that’s because he’s a financial analyst. His entire personality is spreadsheets.”