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I felt a clench of guilt. But the choice to have the baby was hers; I hadn’t forced her into it.
But you did use it to your advantage, my conscience pointed out.
For her own good, I returned.
But was it?
I told my conscience to take a hike and focused on Eden, securing the seatbelt beneath her belly as the attendant had directed.
“Here.” I uncapped a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Lopez said you need to drink plenty of fluids.”
“Thank you,” she said, so politely it set my teeth on edge, and took a drink.
“We’re landing in a few minutes,” I told her.
Eden slid the bottle into a cupholder and straightened her spine, her predominant emotion resignation. You’d think I was bringing her back for her execution, when instead, I’d bonded her to a syndicate lieutenant.
Still, I supposed it was for the best. I couldn’t have her fighting me at every turn—I’d lose face within the syndicate. Vampires didn’t respect a man who couldn’t control his woman, especially a blood-bonded thrall.
The hierarchy was still in a state of flux after all the changes in the past few months. I’d been a lieutenant less than three months; if someone was planning to challenge me, now would be the time.
“So,” said Eden. Her fingers went to her bracelet, toying with the clasp.
I lifted a brow. “I’m the only one who can remove it.”
She released the clasp. “I know.”
“I won’t,” I added. “In case you’re wondering.”
Her shoulder hitched in a jerky little move. “Whatever.”
Now what the hell did that mean? But I let it drop. I’d pushed her enough for one night.
Adrian and Nathan retook their seats a little behind us, with Rio in between them. Her gaze flicked in their direction. “How many people know about me, anyway? You said Brien didn’t tell anyone.”
I lowered my voice so the others wouldn’t hear over the vibration of the engines. “All they know is that you ran out on your contract. That’s all anyone knows.”
She leaned closer, speaking in an undertone as well. “You’re wrong. Nathan knows. And if he knows, so does Adrian.”
I frowned. “Nathan said something?”
“He just wanted me to know that you were treating me better than I deserved.”
Fuck. “I’ll talk to him.”
“No, don’t. He’ll know I told you and it will only make things worse.”
“It’s not his place to reprimand you.”
She shook her head and changed the subject. “And the man who made me do it in the first place? What happened to him?”
“Kuro? He’s in his final grave.”
She stared at me. “For real?”
“Yeah. It happened the night you left.”
Her breath leaked out. “Thank God. I… Thank God.”
