Page 128 of Chandelier Sin
Rylee’s brow furrowed with curiosity. “Who’s Aemon?”
I knew better than to tell her he was the man who ran this place. There was still time to protect Rylee from herself. Protect the others, too.
I waved it off. “My meeting with him was unrelated to Pendulum.”
“I don’t want you bothering the members,” said Jewel.
We both knew he was more than that around here—this place was his brainchild.
And his dark sanctuary.
The fact that my car had careened off the road was none of her business—the incident that had me confronting Roper. He must have told her about my visit. There was probably a whole lot of backstabbing going on at Pendulum.
“What did you talk about?” Jewel’s gaze had turned ice-cold.
“He didn’t tell you that, then.” I crossed one long leg over the other and sat back.
Jewel observed me like a predator sizing up its victim. “Eve is quite lovely, isn’t she?”
That turned Rylee’s attention on me.
I hated hearing Eve’s name come out of Jewel’s mouth.
Jewel focused her attention back on Rylee. “Your seat on the Board is not approved. A technicality.”
Rylee’s lip twitched with suspicion.
Jewel continued, “First, we need you to explain an incident that occurred at Jake Carrington’s house a week ago.”
“Don’t know what you mean,” replied Rylee.
“Jake assaulted Lance.”
Rylee smirked. “I was there. Nothing happened.”
Jewel added, “Helping our investigation will expedite your seat.”
Rylee shrugged, letting out a humorless laugh. “There are countless people who want to punch Lance’s lights out.”
I looked at Jewel and grinned. “She’s not wrong.”
Jewel folded her arms. “Stella looks so much like you, Rylee. Only younger.” She tilted her head for effect.
Rylee didn’t flinch. “I’m happy for Jake.”
“This incident with Lance, his assault, has resulted in a delay with your deal, Atticus.”
“Maybe turn that critical eye on Lance,” I said. “He’s the kind of member that will bring destruction.”
Jewel glanced behind her to make sure no one was listening. “He’s certainly determined to make an impression.”
I kept my attention on her, ready for what else she might offer in the way of poison.
“Will you be there?” she asked. “At Eve’s session.”
“What session?” I said too quickly.
“Eve and her husband had a disagreement.” She smirked. “He’s going to correct her behavior. Who knows, maybe Eve is into that sort of thing.”
