Page 234 of Chandelier Sin
Shay smiled. “All part of the plan.” He gestured to Eloise, motioning for me to pick her up. “Time to go.”
Removing Eve from Roper’s presence was essential.
Shay and I had discussed the mission in detail. Sharing it with her would have caused her too much stress. She was already under intense pressure, being this close to her daughter and not being allowed to see her.
This journey into the unknown could have broken her.
We knew there was a chance Aemon would be here—and here he was sitting before me, smug and filled with the arrogance of men who underestimate their women.
It wasn’t only her physical health I was guarding, but her mental health, too. I had to navigate the situation in a way that was best for Eve.
Dining with evil left a bad taste in my mouth, but there was no room for sentimentality.
Two glasses of whiskey were carried in on a silver tray by the nervous waiter. Made me wonder what kind of things the staff observed.
After the drink was set before me, I took a sip. The heat from the liquor burned my throat like fire.
My blood was already boiling over with hatred for this man.
I’d only known Eve for just over a month, and here I was sitting before her Hell-bound husband, a renowned arms dealer, like I’d already committed my life to her.
Knowing she was away from this monster kept me focused.
I hoped to God she’d found Eloise. Or that Shay and his men had located the child by now.
Aemon was studying me closely. “You were lost in your thoughts there for a while.”
“I’m a thoughtful man.”
Tension filled the air.
“You’ve shown me before what kind of risks you’re willing to take,” said Aemon. “Your level of loyalty to me is impressive. And this, returning Eve to me, proves you’re an ambitious man.”
“And your track record is a compelling tale of relentless carnage.” I made sure he took that as a compliment.
He rested his hand on his chest. “You flatter me.”
“I’m in awe.”
“Did you enjoy the show?” He sat back. “Lance’s death.”
“Could have been a little more imaginative.”
“How would you have done it?”
“I have a few ideas.”
He threw his head back in a laugh. “You know, most men would hate the guy who boned their wife.”
“Even though you orchestrated the event?”
“It was never meant to be you.” He looked me up and down. “You’re a fine figure of a man. There was always the risk she’d get a taste for you.”
“You saw her reaction. Eve knew I was merely an extension of you in that chamber.” After I’d stolen her off Lance.
“It was meant to be a terrible experience for her,” he chided. “Not something she’d enjoy.”
“What makes you think she enjoyed it?”
