Page 227 of Chandelier Sin
We would never look back.
Atticus pushed the heavy door open, revealing a brightly lit foyer, familiar antique furnishings gleamed under the weight of my lost innocence.
It made no sense. Why would Aemon bring Eloise here?
We stood within the softly lit entrance. Somehow, the place appeared smaller than I remembered it, and less intimidating. The air was stale, the fans spinning fast above us failing to help the circulation.
The place was stifling.
A grand staircase led to sprawling verandas, where time-worn pillars stood like silent sentinels. I’d run up and down those steps more times than I could count—slid down the banisters, too, and been chastised for making too much noise. Laughter had been suppressed like happiness.
Please be here.
My sweet, sweet child.
My arms ached to hold her.
“You okay?” Atticus rested a hand on the small of my back.
He saw him at the same time I did. Aemon stood to the left of the stairs, wearing a beige suit with cream loafers. His face wore that usual frown, his jaw tight, showing a cold fury that quickly slipped away as his thoughts churned over the possibilities.
A guard walked toward us, and Aemon barked an order for the man to disappear. Within seconds his sentinel was gone from sight.
My heart was pounding fast, emotions swirling at seeing him again in this setting.
Aemon didn’t expect us—that was obvious from his stern expression.
“Well, this is an unexpected surprise,” he said, face flushed.
I raised my chin. “I know she’s here.”
He frowned. “We had an agreement.”
I marveled at how he was willing to admit that in front of Atticus.
“Say it,” I said. “Tell him how you threatened me.”
Aemon smirked. “I have no desire to discuss our private business in front of a stranger.”
“You told me if I left, you’d never let me see my daughter again.”
“Is that what this is about?” He glared at me. “You’re leaving me? After…” He glanced up the staircase, falling short of mentioning Eloise.
“I want to see her.”
“She’s not here,” he said.
“I’ve been informed that she is.”
His gaze slid over to Atticus. “Interesting.”
“We just want to see the child,” said Atticus.
“She wants more than that,” chided Aemon.
“I don’t want money, or property,” I said. “You can take it all.”
“That’s generous of you, Eve. Considering it all belongs to me.” He waved that off. “Where are my manners? Join me for dinner.”
