Page 170 of Captive Ruin

“Yes, but there’s nothing to find, is there? Nothing to worry us. So leave it with Haynes.”

“True, but—”

“Lukas.” Bastien fixes me with a look I know all too well. “Did you or did you not request time off when the Volkov situation was resolved?”

“I did,” I concede grudgingly.

“And isn’t it resolved?”

“It is. So long as they stick to their side of the bargain.”

“If they don’t, we’ll crush them. They know that.” He points his cigar at me. “So you’re done, my friend. Nothing pressing, a man of liberty. And your wife needs you.”

He’s not wrong, as usual.

I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with my Little Stray, and I haven’t taken it. At first, I thought she needed space. Then her drinking got worse, and that both concerned and repulsed me.

Now my worry for her is mixed with my own guilt. She’s drinking because of me. Or if not me, then what I’ve done, what I’ve allowed to happen.

“I’m losing her, Bastien,” I say quietly. “She’s withdrawing.”

“Of course you’re not. If there’s anything amiss, it’s nothing that can’t be remedied.”

“And if you’re wrong?”

“Me? Wrong?” His lips quirk. “She’s a prickly one, your Amelia, but the chemistry between you is obvious. There’s no question of that.” He smiles. “She is your wife, after all.”

“A wife that said ‘I don’t.’”

“Don’t you think she would’ve fought tooth and nail if she really objected?”

His response gives me pause, because he’s right. She’d have burned my house down, for starters.

“You may have a point.” I chuckle, then turn it around on him. I’ve had enough of being the one under examination. “Which begs the question: what are you going to do about Natalie?”

“Watch her, I suppose.” He flaps his hand at me. “You’re prevaricating. Be gone with you. Give Amelia my best.”

“I’m going, I’m going.” I walk to the door, then pause with my hand on the handle. “For a man who keeps women for no more than a night, you’re surprisingly insightful.”

He blows a smoke ring toward the ceiling. “The secret to success isn’t merely good looks and charisma, my friend. It’s understanding people.”

“Some might say it was hard work.”

“No, no. That’s for fools.” He taps his temple with one finger. “Far better to work smarter.”

I huff a laugh and let myself out. His enormous study feels crowded with his ego in there too.

There’s a spring in my step as I walk back to our suite. Victoria Callahan and her fiancé have left. The Volkovs are managed. For the first time in years, I’m free to do what I want, and what I want is Amelia. There’s work to do, I’m aware of that, but now I have time to deliver to her on all the promises I’ve made. And she need not be a captive any longer. That will go a long way to making amends.

My thoughts bring me to our suite, and I don’t bother to knock. But when I try the handle, the door is locked.

I rap twice, irritated. She shouldn’t be able to shut herself away from me, even in Bastien’s house.

There’s no answer and no sound of movement. I thump the door harder, wondering if she’s taking a nap. Maybe she’s gone for a walk with Nat.

Pulling out my phone, I call Anna.

“Mr. Van Wyk?”