Her smile.
Her laugh.
The way she used to look at me before the world took her from me.
For a moment, grief presses against my chest with familiar hands.
I gently shove the memories aside.
Not because I want to forget her.
But because if I allow myself to sink too deeply into the past, I’ll walk away from Amelia before either of us has the chance to see what this could become.
And I do want that chance.
More than I should, considering my life.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, pulling my attention away.
I glance at the screen, then answer quickly.
“Don,” Luca says. “We have a situation.”
“Regarding?”
“The twins.”
I sigh. “Explain, Luca.”
“Well, sir,” Luca says, his voice unusually unsure, “I can’t really explain why, but they’ve got a Shadow tied down to the kitchen table. They’re both seething with rage, but the Shadow is laughing so hard there are tears running down his face. It’s all rather odd.”
It takes every ounce of control I possess not to react, especially with both Amelia and Olivia watching me closely.
“Which man?” I ask, already trying to figure out how to keep Spike from having my cousins killed.
“Foster,” Luca says. “But he doesn’t seem worried or hurt. Maybe it’s a kink thing.”
“I doubt it,” I sigh. “Foster’s most likely done something to piss them off. I’ll be home shortly.”
I end the call and slide the phone back into my pocket.
“Everything okay?” Amelia asks as I grab my suit jacket where I deposited it earlier.
“I have to go,” I admit. “Something came up that needs my attention.”
“Oh.” Her face falls just slightly before she catches it.
I notice anyway.
“Thank you for a wonderful evening,bella.” I hold out my hand. “May I have your phone?”
She hands it over without a second thought.
Then her eyes widen.
“I don’t know why I just did that,” she murmurs. “He could turn on my tracking. Or steal my bank information. Although, if he wants the bills that go along with that, he’s more than welcome.”
Olivia looks up at her. “Mama, you’re talking out loud.”
