Page 130 of The Scarab's Game

“It’s standard practice for all of us, but…” He chuckled, rubbing his thumb over the side of my hand. “Why don’t I tell you about the time Jayce and I got stuck in a museum for four hours one night, and then we can discuss whatnormalmeans?”

Chapter 48

Emmett

“I wishI’d been there to see that jerk go over the side!” Jayce swatted my knee as the driver opened the limo door for us. We’d made the short ride from Monaco to Nice via helicopter, then taken a transfer to the airport and our company jet.

I couldn’t help but smile. In the moment, I hadn’t been thinking. But now? “It was supremely satisfying.”

Drew slid out first, and Jayce shimmied after him, practically bouncing out of the vehicle.

As Will exited, Rav’s glower caught my attention. “I can’t believe you and Scarlett hid the truth about Evelyn.”

I’d wanted to share with the team when we found out two months ago, but Scarlett had insisted. “I’m sorry. We?—”

“Told Drew, but not me?” Rav cut me off.

“We needed confirmation first.” Such a hollow excuse. I stepped out of the limo. A figure appeared at the jet’s door before I could turn to offer Jenn a hand. “Shit.”

“What?” Jenn asked, climbing out to stand next to me.

Jayce called out, “Hey, boss lady! What brings you to Nice?”

“We have a lot to talk about,” Scarlett called out before disappearing into the jet.

Jayce and Drew grabbed their bags, with Rav and Will following them. The group of four made their way to the jet while Jenn and I hung back.

I leaned closer to Jenn, trying not to focus on her bruised cheek and black eye, keeping my voice down. “You ready for this?”

“You think she knows?” Jenn asked, her eyes searching mine. “About us?”

This was my sister we were talking about. I retrieved our bags and took Jenn’s hand as we headed for the jet. A few of my brain cells suggested getting back into the limo and leaving. “Of course she does.”

Hell, I’d called Jenn‘my woman’on open comms last night, and Scarlett had heard it.

The rest of the team climbed the stairs, and Jenn followed, her shoulders tense. Once she was inside the entry, Scarlett met her with arms wide. Jenn stepped into the embrace, both of the women stiff and awkward.

I positioned myself next to them, not prepared to leave Jenn’s side. The space was cramped, although everyone else was taking their seats.

“There’s a private cabin at the back,” Scarlett whispered. “I was so worried about you, I—We need to talk, and I didn’t want to wait until you got home.”

Jenn pulled back from the hug but kept her hands on Scarlett’s arms. “Emmett explained a lot already.”

Scarlett’s gaze drifted to me. “He did, did he?”

I wasn’t interested in the argument, but said, “Jenn’s a smart woman. After everything she witnessed last night, I wasn’t about to tell her more lies. She’s in the loop now, and you’ll have to deal with it.”

Scarlett’s expression softened when she faced Jenn—a look my sister rarely revealed unless she was with her closest friends. “I was trying to protect you.”

“I understand.” Jenn’s smile was tense. “After last night, Ireallyunderstand.”

The entry grew tighter as Malcolm wedged himself into our crowded space. “C’mon, sugar muffin. We need to brief the team. Jenn can wait in the VIP cabin until we’re done.”

“Yeah, about that…” I clasped the back of my neck. “I’ve explained alotalready.”

Scarlett and Malcolm’s gazes landed on me. Information about what our core team did was on a need-to-know basis. Even some of the Reynolds staff were in the dark.

“She’s loyal,” I said. “She won’t share anything with people she shouldn’t.”

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