Page 71 of One Little Mistake
Easton: I miss your voice.
Lexi: (Voice message sent) “You’re an asshole.”
The first full laugh I’ve had since she left echoes throughout my room.My prickly princess.
Lexi: How’s that?
Easton: Not exactly what I was hoping for.
Easton: How’s the lodge?
Lexi: Old.
Easton: Do you need anything?
Lexi: No.
Easton: I’m here if you need me.
Lexi: …
Lexi: (Voice message sent) “Goodnight, Beast.”
Her voice is so soft, so unlike the thorny persona she wears like a shield.
Easton: (Voice message sent) “Goodnight, Locket.”
I listen to her message until I fall asleep.
* * *
“How’s Lexi?” Ashton asks. We’re crowded around a table at Preston’s penthouse because Sylvie summoned us. No one says no to my mom.
“Stubborn.”
He chuckles, and it makes me smile. His laugh has always done that, even when he was a baby.
“She says she is helping GG, but she’s also hiding.”
Ashton nods. “I heard the roof caved in last winter. Do you know what she’s actually helping with?”
His tone raises the hair on the back of my neck.
“Ash, if you know something, just fucking say it.”
“Until Loki gets home, I’ve put security on everyone. It’s merely a safety precaution that happens when you’re a billionaire, or you’re related to a spy.”
I can tell he’s making light, but I don’t find it funny. My guts twists and I feel sweat forming on my spine.
“Spit it out, Ash.”
“Lexi’s team said the lodge is a lot worse than she’s letting on.”
“Lexi! Lexi’s on the phone. Everyone, say hi.” Lanie presses a button and turns the screen around to show Lexi.
Jesus, does Ash have the same dark magic as GG or what?
“Wait, slow down, Lexi. What’s the matter?”
