Page 192 of Chandelier Sin
“You’re wrong.”
I had a sinking feeling in my gut that I’d made him vulnerable.
She gave me a heart-stopping smile. “You need me. I can help you move the rest of the submissives.”
“You should go. I’d rather you stay at a hotel instead of home. You’re not safe there.”
“I can’t leave yet.”
My focus zeroed in on her, everything in the room disappearing as I studied her face, searching for the truth in her words, her demeanor, making sure she hadn’t been coerced into being here.
I’d understand her betrayal—a mother trying to save her daughter—but it might just kill me in the process.
If she lost faith in what I could do for her, she might go rogue.
Eve finished off her glass of water and set it down. “There’s going to be a ball tomorrow. The submissives will gather in their private chambers. That’s our opportunity to get them out. When they are not scattered around the club.”
“If Aemon finds out you helped us,” I said, “it might jeopardize getting your daughter back.”
“He won’t know it’s connected.”
“He might.”
“Then don’t fuck this up.”
“You’re risking a lot.”
“Everything I’ve been through, all the pain, the hurt, the loss, I need it to mean something.”
“I can understand that.”
Her gaze met mine. “You need access to restricted areas. I can get you in.”
I looked away. “I will get your daughter back to you.”Or die trying.
When I glanced back at her, I saw a flash of pain in her eyes.
“Be careful. Aemon will kill anyone who interferes.”
“Imagine what he’ll do to me when he discovers how I feel about you.”
. Her lips trembled. “How do you feel?”
“Want to stay?”
I could show her right now, in the bedroom. Help her remember the good times.
She brightened. “I want to. Trust me, I do, but I should get back.”
“Let me walk you to your car.”
“It’s best I walk alone.”
She turned to leave, and then paused.
“Almost forgot.” She opened her handbag and reached inside. “This man came to Pendulum earlier. I was there preparing for the event. He made it into the foyer. He was looking for Lance Merrill. How he knew he was a member I have no idea. Anyway, I dealt with him the best I could.”
I took the business card from her and read the name on the front. “Dean Hersey?”
