Page 176 of Chandelier Sin
“Yes,” I bit out. “Even though you don’t deserve it. You’re the most infuriating man I’ve ever met.”
“And you started off so well.”
“I’m serious. What you offered Pendulum was crazy. You can’t say things and not follow through.”
“Thought you’d be pleased that the deal with my friends and I won’t go through.”
Then I saw it in his eyes, the truth. “Once on the Board you’ll affect change from within.”
“Perhaps.”
“You don’t think Lance will survive the sixth floor and that seat will be yours.”
“Maybe.”
I bowed my head. “I need to speak with Jake.”
“I’ll pass on your message.”
“I’ve risked everything—”
“Coming here,” he said, finishing my sentence. “For me?”
“Yes.”
“What do you get out of it?”
I tried to read his expression. “What?”
He arched a brow. “If anything happens to Roper, you escape your marriage?”
“I would never ask anyone to hurt him—”
“That remains to be seen.”
“Stay out of my personal life.”
Atticus looked away, and then said, “Just tell me that you keep that monster away from your child. Tell me he never hits her like he does you.”
Startled, my mind swirled with a million thoughts as I tried to figure out how he knew. This, my ultimate secret, spoken like it was common knowledge.
I shook my head in denial.
“Eve, why didn’t you tell me you have a daughter?” he asked.
“Eloise,” I whispered her name like a sacred prayer.
It was too late to hide my panic from Atticus—hide the torment etched on my soul since she’d been ripped from my arms.
Guilt for allowing this man into my life and threatening my reunion with my child surged through me like an undercurrent, threatening to sweep me away.
My arms ached like they always did when I thought of her. I refused to let anyone taint these precious memories. I wouldn’t let anyone stain my recollection of the touch of her tender skin or the memory of her delicate scent. Or her bright smile that will forever be etched in my consciousness.
Losing her was slowly killing me. This tortuous period of time was destined to haunt my nightmares even when she was back in my arms.
“Eve, did you have her before you met Aemon?” he asked, his voice faint.
The question proved he didn’t know everything.
