Page 288 of Chandelier Sin
“I just got Greyson out of Pendulum.” He shrugged. “Cole will do the rest.”
“Atti, you got everyone out.”
He blinked at me and shook his head.
“You shook Amelia up so badly she confessed what she’d done.”
“Yes, but you’re the one who gave her that priceless ring to bribe her.” His gaze met mine, showing regret. “She left and took it with her. You were going to sell that stone to buy your home.”
“Atticus,” I said, “you set me free. And that meant I could help those women who were being confined at Pendulum.”
His eyes softened. “It was a delicate situation. Jewel held all the cards. We wanted to get them out sooner, but she was too controlling.”
“She’s still there.”
“Not for long,” he said firmly.
I wasn’t going to go there and say he’d honored the tattoo that reminded him to always listen to his instincts, as well as his heart.
Perhaps he, too, would find some solace now from his own trauma after all he’d endured.
He tucked his hands into his pockets. “Why did you go back?”
I walked over to the silver case resting on his couch. “For this.”
I sat the bunny down and picked up the case. After clicking the locks, I opened the lid and revealed the contents, showcasing the impressive jewelry within—everything I’d collected over the years.
After arriving at the manor, I’d hurried straight to my personal safe and emptied it. I’d flung the entire contents of my collection into the case, not taking the time to treat the valuable adornments with care.
I’d not wanted to stay in that house one more second than was necessary.
It had felt cathartic to drive away.
I’d met with Mia to thank her for taking care of Eloise all this time. I owed her and her husband a debt of gratitude.
I also sensed a new friendship with Mia was possible. We had too much in common not to stay in touch, and we’d promised we would.
Atticus frowned at the impressive bling and then looked at me. “You didn’t need to go back for that.”
“I’m going to sell it.”
“I can help you with anything you need, Eve.”
I set the case down on an end table and met his gaze. “I need to feel independent. Anyway, you also need to know I’m with you for you.”
“You’re with me?” He gave me a hopeful smile.
“If you want that…want me?”
“I’ve never wanted anything, or anyone, more.”
“Are you sure?” I glanced up at the ceiling, in the direction of where Eloise slept.
“We’re a ready-made family,” he said. “You realize that?”
“I just want you to be happy.”
He closed the space between us. “I’ve never been happier. But more important are your feelings in all of this.”
