Page 10 of Love & Heart Braking

Soleil gripped my shoulders. “You absolutely did not. If there was a choice to keep you out of the alliance, then I would’ve taken it in both hands. Keeping people safe is not betrayal.”

My shoulders slumped. “I got so mad at Devereaux for protecting me from the NBC.”

“Because it involved you. He’s not on the twelve’s radar. You’ve got to keep it that way. You’d never forgive yourself if you decided to tell him everything, then he got involved and hurt.”

When she put it that way… “I wish it didn’t feel like Venus’s power was withdrawing because she doesn’t support my decision.”

“Keeping him out of this is the logical choice.”

Logic had very little to do with matters of the heart.

I shook myself. “It’s fine. I can’t do anything about the bow’s disappearance. Devereaux’s life is more important.”

“That’s a tough break, friend.” Soleil offered me a chocolate muffin—which was a rare enough occurrence for me to know I must look miserable.

I waved it off, and she shoved it into her mouth without offering a second time.

“What are your thoughts about tonight?” She sprayed me with crumbs.

I picked flecks of muffin off my pink overalls. They were super cute, especially over my white midriff hoodie. I’d felt like comfort today—and also like kicking people, which was why I’d paired the outfit with chunky purple boots. “I’m interested to see how many allies turn up.”

We hadn’t seen Fenton since we joined his alliance. We’d just been given a gold token that would “reveal the details of the first meeting” closer to the time. Last week, it had lit up with today’s date and a time.

Soleil dusted icing sugar off her hands. “Ever get the feeling you’re about to get into deep water really quick?”

“Story of my life.”

The bell chimed, and I checked the clock.

But it wasn’t my next client.

The postman peered around, then strode to us. “Soleil Concordia?”

I arched a brow but didn’t say anything.

Soleil took the letter. “Who’s this from?”

“Fancy paper,” I noted, as the postman left.

“You would say that.”

If people were going to use nice stationery, I’d appreciate it. This letter even had a shimmering white seal which was super cool. A large triangle was stamped into the wax.

She extended a talon and cut the seal with a speed that made my heart race even though my status as her best friend probably meant she wouldn’t murder me.

Soleil pulled out a single sheet.

Her mouth dropped.

“What is it?” I asked.

“The—” She gaped.

I snatched the letter and read. “A loan approval letter? From Bain.”

Ha!

Soleil snatched the letter back, rereading the looping calligraphy with as much interest as everyone else read her weekly column. “Dear Miss Cerys Concordia and Miss Soleil Concordia.” She raised her head. “Why did he put your name first?”

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