Page 35 of Fractured Memories

“Mika.”

Now I see the source of his amusement. His wife is as much of a wild card as Eden, though Mika is more akin to sunshine rather than the fire I like to play with. She’s still not one to be underestimated, and I can only imagine how Eden will react to her.

But I also know that since it is Mika, Jude will make sure she keeps this a secret. She’s playful, but there’s a reason I trust her as much as I do her husband.

“I assume she is prying as much information out of Eden as possible?”

Jude chuckles. “Mika pounced, but Eden is holding her own. They seem to have taken a liking to each other.”

“Are you telling me that I’m getting cockblocked tonight?” It’s the main reason I wanted Eden brought to the house tonight. While I’ve made her come on my hand after the challenges I stole, I’ve refused to fuck her until I can take my time where no one will hear her.

“Good luck convincing my wife to let her go.”

I roll my eyes and start toward the door leading to the adjoining garage. I hear their laughter as we approach, and when I turn down the last hall, I spot them standing in the entryway.

Mika is a good bit shorter than Eden, but her large personality makes up for it. Her thick hair is up in a bun while Eden’s curls are down, and I’m surprised to see Mika’s hand on Eden’s arm.

Eden says something as we approach, making Mika shake her head with another chuckle. Then her eyes turn on us, and I can see how much she is enjoying this. “Kieran.” Her smile is as annoyingly entertained as her husband’s. “I had no clue you’d been hiding actual good company.”

“Yeah, Kieran.” Eden leans into Mika. “If I had known that I had someone up here to get into trouble with, I’d have been more inclined to make the trip.”

I narrow my eyes at Mika. “Too bad you were just leaving, right, Mika?”

She bites her bottom lip as her soft brown eyes dart to look at Eden. “I don’t think I have plans tonight…”

“Jude,” I growl.

He lets out a low chuckle before crossing to his wife, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into him. Mika’s arms immediately wrap around his neck as she sinks into his hold. “What if I had plans for us?”

She toys with the short hair at the nape of his neck. “What kind of plans?”

“Let me take you home and show you.” He leans in, nipping at her bottom lip in a display that used to make me roll my eyes. But I’m starting to understand the affection. “It’ll be worth it, my little Troublemaker.”

Mika tips her head back to give Eden a grin. “We’ll have to catch up some other time. The sex is too good for me to pass up.”

Eden laughs, clearly enjoying Mika’s antics. I’ve never met a person that Mika couldn’t charm if she wants to—and if she doesn't, she usually kills them. “I don’t blame you. It was lovely meeting you.”

“You, too.” She twists in Jude’s arms, taking one of his hands in hers. “Have a good night, you two.” She winks at Eden as she pulls Jude through the door leading to the garage.

And finally, I’m alone with Eden.

Her hazel eyes are bright as she stalks toward me, looking every bit of the predator I know she can be. Most people will never come up the mountain, and those that do are usually reverent when seeing the compound. Of course Eden is so unlike anyone else.

She pauses before me, dragging a nail up my chest as she glances around the small space. “Fancy place you’ve got here. Did you have me fetched just to show off?”

I flatten my palm over her hand, trapping her against my chest. “If I did?”

Her lips twitch. “You’ll have to try harder, Mr. Kelly.”

I chuckle, remembering the same words from the day we actually met in that alleyway. She has definitely always made me work hard for everything—her name, a dinner, one kiss. It will be no different tonight.

Capturing her chin, I tip her face up to mine and lean closer. “Always one step ahead of you, but nice try.” I steal a kiss, rough but quick. “I have plans for us, too.”

Curiosity lights up her golden irises, and I capture her wrist, tugging her through the house. I notice the surprise that flickers across her face as I lead her through the halls, past various rooms and massive windows.

“You aren’t going to give me a full tour?” She tries to keep the intrigue out of her voice, but the teasing tone is still colored with it.

“Not right now.” A smirk tugs at one corner of my mouth. “Maybe later. If you’re good.”