Page 45 of Bride By Coronation

Vaughn: Not far. There was an accident. It took me a bit to get past it.

Me: The items are secure?

Vaughn: Yes.

Me: Did she want you to tell me anything?

Jesus, I sounddesperate.

Vaughn: No. She's really kind, though. She'll make a good queen.

Me: I agree, but what makes you say that?

Vaughn: I don't know. She has an aura about her.

Is that what you call it?

Me: Come directly to my place.

Vaughn: I am.

Me: Did she send a letter back?

Vaughn: No.

My gut sinks.

How will I know if she likes any of the dresses?

What if she refuses to get initiated into The Underworld?

The Omni will have no choice but to behead me.

The elevator opens, and Brax appears with a bored expression. He leans against the wall with his arms crossed. His knee is bent, a sneaker flat against the metal. He gripes, "When are they fixing this thing?"

Irritation floods me. "Get your shoe off the wall. Show some respect."

He pushes off and steps into my foyer, arguing, "Seriously. You live in one of the most expensive buildings in Chicago. When are they fixing this piece of shit?"

I grunt and move into the living room. The sun's high in the sky on a cloudless day, turning the cold waters of Lake Michigan into asparkling, breathtaking scene. It's one of the things I appreciate about my penthouse the most.

I should have sent the shorter version of the letter.

Brax inquires, "So what's the big emergency?"

"Who said anything about an emergency?" I retort.

He scowls. "You pulled me out of my workout. I was in the ring with Sean. I had to make excuses to Finn about why I had to leave, and he knows I'm lying. It was written all over his face. He's starting to not trust me."

"Not my problem," I say.

Where is Vaughn?

I shouldn't have given him such an important job.

I need to stop instilling so much faith in these new members.

I glance at my watch again.

---