Page 194 of Chandelier Sin
We shared a glance, a knowing look, a silent understanding of the precious bunny that meant more than words could say.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
I let her know I understood her emotions by reaching out and caressing her cheek with my thumb, gripping the toy with my other hand like it was a lifeline to the child herself.
Then I grabbed Eve’s wrist and held on. It was an impulsive move, but I couldn’t let her go back to that house.
She stared at my hand for the longest time and then said, “I am a woman. This is the kind of impossible I’m good at.”
We shared another moment of respect, of understanding.
I let go of her wrist.
She stared at the rabbit, seeming to recall a memory, as though she were once more in the presence of Eloise, her expression full of love.
Then it was suddenly gone—as though she’d pushed that sentiment down to protect herself, a fierce demeanor returning to prove her innate strength.
Watching her leave hurt like hell. But there was no persuading her. It made me think of my own mother, and consider her strength, too. She’d sacrificed her life for me, and that was a burden too heavy to carry. It was a secret no one knew about. The shame I carried could never be spoken of.
I brought my thoughts back to the present. I needed to get to Marina Del Rey’s harbor before Dean Hersey and prevent him from boardingThe Hades—and fucking up the mission.
I’d never felt so conflicted. If anything happened to Eve, I’d be the one to blame. Because I’d let her walk away. She was stubborn and so was I—we had that in common.
Quickly, I found a safe place to hide Eloise’s fluffy rabbit, and then headed out into the night.
Iparked close to Marina Del Rey’s Yacht Club, finding a place on the street and keeping my McLaren out of sight.
The harbor at night breathed in the shadows, each boat a silhouette against the moonlit waters. Even the gentle lapping of waves couldn’t calm me, as I took in the vast collection of yachts swaying in the nocturnal breeze.
The stark quietude seemed to raise the stakes.
Strolling along the boardwalk for a few minutes, I keptThe Hadesin my sights. If someone was standing guard aboard that yacht, they weren’t being obvious.
How I kept myself from storming on board and demanding to see A.J. myself was a fucking miracle.
Surely the longer we waited the worse the risk became. It was another reason I could never be a military strategist like Shay. Waiting for what was meant to be the right time to act was seriously frustrating.
I’d texted Cameron on the way and let him know there was a chance Dean Hersey might attempt to board Lance’s yacht tonight.
Didn’t exactly want to spend my evening standing watch over that floating palace, but I had little choice until Shay Gardner and his crew had gone in. Or at least until we could have a professional do this.
A journalist could seriously fuck up the best laid plans.
I took a seat on a wooden bench, discreetly concealed by the dusk. A couple strolled by, enjoying a late night stroll. I made the most of this balmy night adventure by keeping an eye out for Cameron’s yacht. The sleek boat wasn’t in the harbor. Maybe it was part of the plan to rescue A.J.
I kept checking my phone, peering up now and again to watch for Dean Hersey’s arrival.
Within minutes, I’d searched the Internet and found Dean’s photo.
The guy finally appeared in person an hour later.
I stood up and quickly fell into step with him, which seemed to piss him off.
“Let me guess,” he said. “You’re the muscle?”
“I’m flattered, but no.”
He paused for a beat and glanced around as though needing reassurance he wasn’t alone. “You seem to know who I am.”
