Page 30 of Fractured Memories

My jaw clenches, and I look away from her, refusing to read her expression. Jude came back within an hour of our meeting this morning, telling me that Mika was eager to see Eden. That was hours ago, and while I almost expected her to be as feral and resistant to Mika, the idea that Eden willingly spent the entire afternoon with her friend is almost unbearable for me to hear.

I want her to feel at home. I want her to trust someone.

I just want that someone to be me.

“Kieran…” Her voice is soft, but I keep my gaze fixed out the window. “You can’t lock her up and not expect her to be pissed at you.”

“I know.” Tension tightens every one of my muscles, but I refuse to acknowledge the emotions stirring in my chest. “I needed her to calm down. I didn’t want her sneaking out and getting captured again.”

“You need to earn her trust. I get that you missed her, but the first time, you went at her pace⁠—“

“The first time, she didn’t already own my fucking soul, Mika. She wasn’t in danger because of me. She knew who to trust and where was safe, and I didn’t have to worry about her being connected to rebels.” My chest heaves as I try to get my temper back under control. “This is nothing like the first time.”

Mika hops off the counter, stepping in front of me so I have to look at her. “Then meet her where she is. Explain to her what’s going on. Show her you care.” Her eyes narrow, anger flickering in them. “But if you lock her up like that again, I’ll take her from your house myself.”

I should be pissed that she is daring to threaten me, but I can’t be. I know that I deserve it.

This situation isn’t as simple as she is making it out to be. Eden doesn’t want to be around me, and I doubt she would believe a single word out of my mouth. And show her I care? I have no clue how to do that. I’m known for being heartless for a reason.

“Did she handle your presence well?” I ask, deflecting.

Mika studies me for a moment before leaning back. “Yes.” Her lips quirk up in a cocky smirk. “But I’m charming. It took me one day to win her over last time when it took you months.”

The playful teasing doesn’t take the edge off the sting. “Did you tell her anything?”

Did you convince her this is her home? Did you help at all? Or does my wife still hate me?

I swallow back those questions. They make me feel too vulnerable, and the only time I’ve even tried to be that is with Eden.

I swear Mika can see them anyway. Her lips purse, but she shakes her head. “I took her on a tour of the house. Introduced her to the guards. Told her about Jude, Rohan, Lochlan. Things that would help her feel comfortable.” Her head tips to the side. “But I didn’t ask her about the rebels. And no, I didn’t bring you up.”

“And she didn’t, either?”

Her word is nearly a whisper. “No.”

My jaw flexes as I look away, unable to stomach any of this. I hear what Mika—and Jude and Rohan and Lochlan—have said. I need to be patient. She needs time to trust us. But it’s hard to have patience when I am a possessive prick who is used to having her in my bed every night.

Especially when every rejection sends me closer to a breaking point I didn’t know existed.

And I don’t know if she’ll ever accept me again.

Mika pats my shoulder. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to be in your shoes, Kieran. Devastated, I’m sure. Overwhelmed.” I don’t confirm or deny it. “Start small. A conversation that doesn’t end in one of you storming off angry is a good start.”

I’m sure Jude has told her everything. Between Lochlan and the guards, he’s the center of all the gossip up here on the mountain. Which means Mika is, too.

“She doesn’t want to talk to me,” I bite out.

“She turned you down the very first time you asked her to spend time with you.” Mika’s hand squeezes my shoulder. “Stop hiding out here, and try again.”

Her words rip a memory from the back of my mind. Try harder next time, Kieran.

It’s enough to have me thanking Mika and heading home.

CHAPTER 10

EDEN

I’m lost.