Page 2 of King of Ruin

Cassian gave a sharp, humorless laugh.

"Your wife," he said flatly. "Amara wouldn't stop calling Juliet. Every other day it was, 'Come back already,' 'I miss you,' 'The city isn't the same without you.'" He shot Elias an accusing look. "If your wife hadn't been blowing up my wife's phone like some clingy ex trying to get back together, we'd probably still be enjoying our vacation."

Elias immediately threw both hands into the air.

"Don't look at me," he protested, laughing despite himself. "I had absolutely nothing to do with that. If anything, I was trying to convince Amara to let you two stay away longer."

A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"I was enjoying the peace."

Cassian snorted.

"I'm serious." Elias took another sip of his whiskey before shaking his head. "Do you think I'd willingly invite my own suffering back?"

He leaned forward in the leather armchair, resting his forearms on his thighs as he pointed his whiskey glass at Cassian.

"Ever since Juliet came back, it's been nothing but torture for me. It's only been a week, and somehow she and Amara have completely taken over my bedroom. I've been kicked out of my own room and sentenced to the guest room."

He let out a long, weary sigh.

"Take your wife back."

Cassian's expression remained cold.

"You think I haven't tried?"

He swirled the amber liquid in his glass before taking a measured sip.

"I've been asking her to come home every day. Every single time, Amara talks her into staying one more night." His jaw flexed. "Those two have become practically inseparable."

Elias groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

"So we're both suffering."

"But she's definitely coming home tonight."

Elias's brows lifted.

"Really?"

Cassian leaned forward slightly, fixing Elias with a steady look.

"Your job is simple," he said. "Keep Amara busy."

Elias blinked.

"So you can kidnap your own wife?"

"I call it taking my wife back home," Cassian replied without the slightest hint of amusement. "Whatever happens after that is your problem."

A slow grin spread across Elias's face.

"So that's your grand plan?"

Cassian shrugged.

"Do you honestly think I've enjoyed leaving my wife at your house for an entire week?"