Page 163 of Trapped Truth

“Believe me, I do. Ethan’s mad you haven’t returned his calls.”

Warner grimaces. “I know, I know.”

Clearly, he’s not off the hook either. Though Tom has already torn a chunk from his hide for endangering my life yet again, despite explaining multiple times that the sequence of events leading to an almost gunshot wound were unintentional. He didn’t care, insisting on chewing Warner’s ear off for it regardless.

“What if we come visit next month?” Hyland suggests.

“Is it safe now?”

“The case is officially closed. We’re awaiting Madden’s sentencing in the summer, but he’s facing life behind bars. The work to pull apart his network will continue for some time. For now, we can move freely again.”

Willow sighs, laying her annoyance on thick. “Maybe I’ll think about allowing you into town to apologise in person. Or I’ll send Killian with his rifle.”

“I’d like to see that,” Axel snickers.

Over his shoulder, Hyland flips the bird. “Shut it, pup.”

“Maybe the two of them could fight it out. You know, Hunger Games style. The whole town can gather to watch, maybe throw some meat on the barbecue too.”

“This isn’t cause for a party!” Hyland splutters.

“I dunno, sounds like it could be. I’d be down.”

“Alright, alright.” Willow’s laugh is light and tinkly. “Thank you, but no fights to the death. We’ve all seen more than enough of that for one lifetime. Let me know when you’re planning to visit.”

“Thanks, Willow. It’ll be good to see everyone.”

“We’ll be here waiting.” Her words no longer carry the frantic edge they had only moments earlier. “Be safe.”

“Bye, Willow!” I call through the seats.

“Keep them in line, Em. They’re trouble.”

“Ha, don’t I know it. I’ll try my best.”

Ending the call by pushing a button on the steering wheel, Hyland returns his attention to the road. We’re almost back at the luxury hotel in the heart of London that’s become our temporary home. It’s the only place with a suite large enough to house five people.

“Should we discuss that house viewing?” Warner glances over his shoulder to ask us.

“I loved it,” Axel immediately says.

“You’ve loved the last six houses.” I playfully nudge him

“Hey, I’m easily pleased. No high standards here.”

“I still think we should build.” Hyland waves to the Sabre agents paired with hotel security for added peace of mind. “If it’s going to be our forever home, it might as well be perfect.”

“We agreed that will take too long,” Warner reminds him.

“A year maybe? That’s hardly a long time.”

“Warner’s right.” Stretching, I gather my handbag from the footwell. “We’ve waited long enough to start fresh. I want to be in our new home before the summer arrives.”

“Then why wait?” Blaine asks from the middle seat. “Let’s put an offer in.”

“You liked the last place that much?”

His head rotates so he can peer at me. “I like anywhere that you’ll be. The specifics aren’t important to me.”