Cunning

  Though Nox was busy reading something on his phone, he answered, “She’s taking care of our hotel rooms.”

  “I don’t need a hotel room. I have an apartment.” I looked up in time to see Isaac’s eyes peer toward Nox’s in the rearview mirror. Their unspoken communication pushed my wrong buttons. “I have an apartment,” I repeated. “I didn’t bring many things because I have them there.”

  Nox’s large hand splayed over my thigh. “You’re not staying in an apartment that was broken into or one that’s a crime scene.”

  I exhaled. “I need things from there: clothes and other things.”

  “Deloris will take care of that.”

  “She’ll go to my apartment? How will she get in?”

  He sighed. “I’m certain that if she wanted into your apartment, she’d have no difficulty. After all, someone broke in there with Chelsea present. However, that’s not her plan. As you can only imagine, the three of us had no time to pack.” He shrugged. “We could have, but then those passengers would have all missed their connecting flights. Anyway, she’ll have everything we need in the hotel rooms by the time we get there.”

  I fell asleep with my head on Nox’s shoulder during the flight. After we landed, he hurried me from the plane. Now, with my immediate future apparently no longer in my control, I reached for my phone and took it out of airplane mode. In less than a minute, it came to life, popping like popcorn with incoming messages.

  “Are any of those about Chelsea?” Nox asked.

  Missed calls, text messages, and emails made their presence known. I’d been so overwhelmed by Nox’s presence and his nicer attitude, that I’d forgotten about my conversation with Bryce—that was until his name appeared on my screen. Ignoring it, I replied, “I missed two calls from her mother. I’m going to call her now.”

  Nox nodded as I returned her call. Smirking, I turned toward Nox’s grimace as Tina answered. Her shrill voice was loud enough for everyone in the SUV to hear. In the short time we spoke, I learned that Chelsea was now awake, drowsy and bruised, and she was answering questions.

  When I hung up, I asked, “Would you like to know what she said?”

  Nox laughed. “I think we all heard what she said.”

  “Yes, Chelsea had to get it from somewhere. Tina Moore is a little over the top.”

  “You’re not actually sisters, so that woman isn’t your mother.”

  “Oh, no. Not even close.”

  “What does that mean?”

  I turned toward the window on my side and watched the familiar scenery. I hadn’t planned to return, not after what happened with my trust fund, but being back in Northern California felt right.

  “Charli? What’s the matter?”

  I shook my head and feigned a smile. “Nothing. I just loved living out here. I’m going to miss it.”

  “Did you apply to Stanford Law?”

  “No…” For the remainder of our drive we chatted about Columbia and Yale and why I’d applied to East Coast schools. We talked about my upcoming schedule as orientation began, and we even talked about my apartment.

  “I hate to admit it…” Nox’s eyes shimmered. “…because I would love to punish you for signing that lease, but I think it’s a good thing you did.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. If you convince Chelsea to move to New York, she can stay there.”

  I hadn’t thought of that. “I figured the location was great.” I turned toward him animatedly. “It’s right down the street from Tom’s Restaurant.”

  He leaned down and kissed me. “You’re so cute when you’re excited. I’ll remember, no fancy restaurants. Diners are more your style.”

  “No. I just think it’s neat. I also figured law school will take three years to finish. I’ll need a place to live in another year, so I might as well keep it.”

  The tendons in Nox’s neck popped to attention as his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Are you certain of that?”

  “Yes.” I looked his way and changed my mind. “No. Nox, I’m not certain of anything.”

  He took my hand. “I’m certain that I’m glad Chelsea is doing better. I’m certain that after your short conversation with that very loud woman, the worry that was in your golden eyes has gone away, making them stunning. I’m also certain that I can’t wait until we’re at the hotel.”

  His velvet tone rumbled through me like molten lava, melting everything in its path.

  “So you can…?” I prompted.

  He lifted his brow as his lips formed a lopsided smile. “Do whatever I want.”

  I wanted to ask him what he wanted. I wanted to tell him no or tell him yes. I wanted to say things that I’d never said to a man, but I didn’t want to say them within earshot of Isaac and a driver I didn’t know. As indecision flirted with desire, I lifted his hand to my cheek and inhaled the magical woodsy cologne.

  “Is there a problem with that plan, Miss Collins?”

  Is he asking me? Do I once again have that power?

  “No, Mr. Demetri, no problem at all.”

  Nox smiled before our lips touched. The kiss was soft and chaste. Though my body ached for more, the spark in his eyes told me that the connection was only a taste of what was to come, an hors d’oeuvre before a five-course meal. As my mind filled with carnal possibilities of what Nox might want, my insides burned with hunger in anticipation of what was in store.

  As the SUV headed north, Nox silently went back to his messages, and I went back to mine. Though I had two voicemails from Bryce, I chose not to listen. After the conversation with Tina, I didn’t want the entire vehicle hearing everything he said. Both of his calls came within the last hour. I wasn’t sure how long his flight took from Atlanta, but it must have been quicker than ours from New York. Then again, he probably didn’t have anyone delaying his departure. If it weren’t that he’d traveled from Georgia to see me, I would do my best to avoid him altogether. Since he had, I couldn’t very well continue to evade him.

  I opted for sending a text message.

  Me: “I’M SORRY IF YOU’RE HERE. I CAN’T RETRIEVE MY VOICEMAILS. AN EMERGENCY HAS COME UP.”

  He responded immediately. Nox looked my way with the vibration. His expression morphed from one of concentration on his messages to one that questioned mine. I shook my head and turned off the volume.

  Bryce: “WHAT KIND OF EMERGENCY? ARE YOU OK?”

  Me: “I’M OK. IT’S NOT ME. IT’S MY FRIEND.”

  Bryce: “WHAT HAPPENED?”

  Me: “I NEED TO GO. I’LL CALL YOU TOMORROW.”

  Bryce: “NO. I FLEW TO SEE YOU. I’M SEEING YOU.”

  Me: “NOT TONIGHT.”

  Bryce: “I’M WAITING AT YOUR APARTMENT.”

  Shit!

  Me: “I’M NOT THERE.”

  Bryce: “I’LL WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE.”

  I gritted my teeth. This was ridiculous.

  Me: “I DON’T KNOW WHEN THAT WILL BE. PLEASE. I’LL CALL YOU TOMORROW.”

  Though a message instantly appeared, I stopped replying.

  AWAKE AND RESPONDING.

  After a cursory knock, I pushed open the door to Chelsea’s hospital room. The conversation ceased as all eyes turned our direction. Tina Moore’s mouth opened, but instead of her customary shrill voice, nothing came out. Chelsea’s sister, Kelsey, stilled her fingers hovering above her phone, and Chelsea blinked.

  I rushed to my best friend’s side, evaluating her injuries. One eye was blackened, and a bandage was wrapped around her head. Hugging her softly, I asked, “How are you?”

  She looked past me toward Nox. “Delusional, I’m definitely delusional,” she replied.

  I grinned. “Chelsea, you remember Nox?”

  She nodded. “Faintly,” she replied with a smile. “Sorry, not that memorable.”

  Nox came closer to her bed, his menacing grin in place. “I’m glad you’re all right. You had us worried.”

  She stared up at him and then turned her eyes back to me. “I’m having
an amazing hallucination right now.” She reached for my hand. “No, if I were imagining a tall, dark, and handsome man, I’m sorry, sweetie, I’d imagine him for me, not you.”

  Nox stepped beside me and wrapped his arm around my waist. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said with a smirk.

  “Oh! It was meant as one.”

  We all turned toward Tina.

  Nox offered his hand across Chelsea’s bed. “Mrs. Moore. Lennox Demetri.”

  The same hazel eyes as Chelsea’s stared, unblinking.

  “Hello, Mrs. Moore,” I said when she didn’t speak. “Thank you for keeping me updated.”

  Kelsey popped up next to her mother and thrust her hand forward. “Hi. I’m Chelsea’s sister, Kelsey.”

  Nox shook her hand as I nodded. It was the longest sentence I’d heard Chelsea’s sister say in the four years I’d known her. Usually her face never left the screen of her telephone.

  Though she was bruised, the spark I loved was back in Chelsea’s eyes.

  “So,” she said, “I was going to get mad at you for not calling me for a few days, but…” She pursed her lips and furrowed her brow. “…since I’m going to assume you also have been comatose, I’ll forgive you.”

  I laughed. “Not quite, but thanks. I’m sorry I haven’t called. Can you tell us what happened?”

  She leaned back on the pillow and closed her eyes. “As I told the police and everyone else, I really don’t remember. I had everything packed and ready for the movers. I remember texting you and going to bed. I woke up, but I can’t remember why. I don’t know if I heard something…” She shook her head. “I walked into the living room and was hit by something or someone. That’s where it all ends.”

  “You didn’t see anyone?” Nox asked.

  “I think so, but only briefly. I can’t recall a face, just a presence.” She closed her eyes. “I know that doesn’t make sense.”

  “Was your door locked?” Nox asked.

  “I thought it was, but the police say there weren’t any signs of a break-in.”

  I shook my head. “We always locked the door. I can’t imagine your not doing that.”

  Chelsea sighed. “Me either. I just don’t get it. Everything is jumbled. The doctors say if I don’t force it, I may remember more.”

  “What’s your diagnosis? How long are they keeping you here?” I asked.

  “She has a concussion and bruises.” Tina said. “Luckily, nothing is broken.”

  “Alex, I’m sorry about your stuff,” Chelsea said. “Mom said the movers didn’t take anything.”

  “Are you kidding me? Don’t worry about stuff. I’m worried about you!” I turned toward Tina. “You went to our apartment?”

  “Yes, Chelsea wanted a few things. It’s weird. There’s no sign of scuffle. The only thing out of place is some furniture—I assume so they could wheel Chelsea out. All the boxes are still there.”

  “I’ll get the movers rescheduled. The most important thing is that you’re safe. Did it look like anything was missing?” I asked Tina.

  She shook her head. “Not that I could tell, but you girls will need to look to be sure.”

  “Let me know what you think,” Chelsea said. “Then again, all your things are packed. It would be hard to tell if anything is missing.”

  “Kelsey and I were planning on staying there tonight.” Tina looked from me to Nox and back. “But if you don’t want us to…”

  “Is it safe?” Nox asked.

  “The locks work.”

  “You’re welcome to stay,” I said. “We have a hotel room for the night. We didn’t know if the police would allow anyone to be there.” I turned to Chelsea. “How long do you need to stay here?”

  “They’re doing some tests tomorrow. It all depends on the concussion.”

  I bent down and kissed her cheek. “All right. I’ll be back in the morning.”

  Nox took my hand as we said our goodbyes and left Chelsea with her mother and sister. Once in the hall, I giggled at everyone’s reaction to Nox. “I think you made quite the impression on Chelsea’s mother. She looked disappointed that we weren’t going to have a big slumber party tonight.”

  Isaac followed two steps behind after leaving his post outside Chelsea’s door. I wasn’t sure I could get used to having him or anyone else omnipresent. It seemed more intrusive than the staff at Montague Manor. Maybe I’d grown used to them. Could I grow used to Isaac?

  “As appealing as that sounded,” Nox scoffed, “I think I’d prefer our own slumber party.”

  On the elevator with just the three of us, Nox pulled my hand behind my back as he held me close. His tongue teased my lower lip before he pulled away and stared down. The passion in his gaze was overwhelming as he drank me in.

  “It’s so nice to see the worry gone from your eyes.”

  “I was worried. Thank you for coming with me.”

  The tips of his lips quirked upward. “I wanted to be sure you didn’t do something stupid.”

  “Such as?”

  “Drink California wine,” he replied with a smirk.

  “Well, thank you, Mr. Demetri, for keeping me on the straight and narrow.”

  He leaned close and whispered, “Straight, not narrow, and I do intend to keep you on it.”

  Blood rushed to my cheeks as I giggled and looked at the back of Isaac’s head. If he heard Nox’s whisper, he showed no reaction. My laughter stopped short as a gasp escaped my lips when the doors opened, and my eyes met Bryce’s.

  Shit! What the hell is he doing here?

  With my heartbeat quickening, Bryce took a step back and allowed us to exit. As he did, his chest widened, while simultaneously, Nox’s grip of my hand tightened. Comprehension was out of reach. My feet forgot how to move; nevertheless, Nox’s momentum pulled us forward.

  “Alexandria,” Bryce’s speech was clipped. “I was told I might find you here.” Red seeped from the collar of his shirt, moving up toward his clenched jaw as he nodded to Nox. “Mr. Demetri, I wasn’t aware the two of you knew one another.”

  What the fuck? Bryce knows Nox?

  “Edward. I wasn’t aware of a connection to you.”

  Nox knows Bryce?

  I stood mute, my eyes darting back and forth as my two worlds collided in some show of male standoff within the hallway of the hospital. When Bryce looked up after settling his gaze on where Nox and my hands were still connected, I replied, “Bryce, I told you I couldn’t see you tonight.”

  “You told me there was an emergency. I was concerned. There was a woman at your apartment complex who told me about your roommate. I thought you might need some support.”

  “That job’s already taken,” Nox replied. “You’re a day late and a dollar short, as usual.”

  Ignoring Nox’s comment, Bryce said, “Alexandria, I flew all the way out here.” He paused, softening his tone. “Give me a minute. You owe me that much.”

  Ice and fire radiated from Nox’s grip. When I looked up into his steely expression, I saw his answer. Though he didn’t say a word, I heard the response he wanted—no, expected—me to say. However, Bryce was right. He’d flown across the country to see me. I could speak to him for a minute. Plus, he’d said he had information about my mother. I nodded to Nox. “I’ll be just a minute, if you and Isaac want to get the car.”

  “The car’s waiting.”

  I released Nox’s hand and touched his chest. The playfulness of seconds earlier was gone, replaced with the icy cold stare from yesterday. “Five minutes and I’ll be out.”

  Capturing my waist, Nox pulled me close, our chests and hips colliding. In a deliberate display of affection—or was it possession—he covered my lips with his. As mine bruised from the force, I realized which it was. His kiss wasn’t meant to be one of affection. It was a warning of things to come as well as a claim, purposely staked in front of Bryce. When I pulled away, our gazes locked. In that moment, I tried to tell him that I heard him loud and clear and I understood.

>   “Five minutes,” I repeated, sucking my tender lip between my teeth.

  He turned his clenched jaw toward Bryce. “Edward.”

  “Lennox.”

  WALKING AWAY FROM Nox, I became acutely aware of everything around me: the slickness of the tile floor beneath my sandals, the contrasting scent of Bryce’s cologne, and the burn of Nox’s stare singeing my back. I fought the urge to turn around and explain why I owed Bryce minutes of my time, to make Nox see that this wasn’t about him or about us. It was what I’d been raised to do and be, and I was about to end it all for good.

  As we strode toward the small cluster of chairs, I reconsidered. Maybe this talk was about us, Nox and me; because of him, I could finally end this farce with my childhood friend, boyfriend, and sometimes tormentor. Though it may seem that the Infidelity agreement imprisoned me for a year, in reality I would finally be free.

  With each step I consciously worked to keep distance between Bryce and me. That didn’t stop the displeasure that emanated from his being. Confusion, hurt, and anger mixed together and swirled around us. When we reached the waiting area, Bryce grabbed my forearm and spun me toward him.

  Through gritted teeth, he spat out his question. “What the hell are you doing with Lennox Demetri?”

  My eyes went back toward the elevators. I didn’t see Nox, but Isaac was watching, ready to intervene.

  “Let go of me or that man over there will be here in two seconds, and you’ll have more to worry about than who I’m dating.”

  His grip disappeared. As if I’d struck him, he took a staggering step backward. “Dating? You’re dating Lennox Demetri? You can’t.” He ran his hand through his blond hair. “Alexandria, we’re dating. How could you?”

  “We are not dating. I’m not cheating on you. I’m seeing him.”

  “When? How?” He sunk down to a sofa, his elbows on his knees and back to Isaac. Bryce lowered his head to his hands and spoke. His voice was heavily laden with defeat. “I don’t understand. I can’t even comprehend how you’d meet him, much less that you’re dating him.”

  I sat beside Bryce, perched on the edge of the sofa, close enough to keep our conversation private, but far enough to avoid contact. “We met on vacation, about two months ago.”