Page 185 of Chandelier Sin
“Why am I not surprised?” I snapped.
Jake cringed. “I sent you home.”
“What do you want to do with her?” I made it sound like a threat.
Jake motioned to Stella. “Get in here.”
I slammed the door shut behind her.
Stella stood in the center of the room, looking at Jake, expecting him to save her. Then, as she braved a look at each one of us, she predictably became awe-inspired by the man in the gold mask.
Cameron didn’t want her to see his face. The meeting could give away our fourth partner.
He’d returned to sit in the armchair, casually crossing one long leg over the other, falling quickly into analysis mode.
“It’s rude to stare, Stella,” Jake chastised her, trying to get her to focus on him instead.
“I caught her spying earlier,” I told them, glaring at Jake as if to say,“Why the hell did you invite her?”
Jake shook his head at her. “You should have told me.”
She shivered, looking tortured. “I was looking for you, Jake.”
“Our conversation ended. There was nothing more to discuss.” Jake’s eyes filled with compassion.
“They don’t know.” She was talking about us.
I studied her. “Know what?”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “You really think I’m a spy, Atticus?”
“Now, now,” said Cameron. “I think it’s time we told them, don’t you?”
Secrets within secrets.
I’d been right about Cameron and Jake in the garden. They’d been scheming and it was about her.
Greyson flinched. “Tell us what?”
I didn’t trust her. She’d been recruited by Lance. There were photos of her meeting him on Venice Beach. We’d all been sent the file with the evidence.
“How are we supposed to believe her?” I asked. “Considering she’s working for Merrill.”
“I’m not,” said Stella. “Well, not in the way you think.”
Jake closed the space between them and rested his hand on her shoulder. “It’s safe to share what’s happening.”
From the fearful expression in her eyes, I knew she was still scared of me, and of Cameron, too. That mask was not exactly conducive to gaining trust.
Stella was shaking.
Shrugging out of my jacket, I moved closer and rested it over her shoulders to keep her warm.
I knew what the early signs of shock looked like.
I guessed her reasons for trapping Jake were going to be compelling.
“Two weeks ago.” A tear fell. “Lance Merrill kidnapped my brother.”
