Page 81 of Fractured Memories

“Not an actual mess, Kieran,” he hisses. “Miles was practically mauled this morning in the city when people wanted to know why we were not only invading their personal spaces but now attacking them.”

I cut my eyes over to Jude, who doesn’t show a flicker of emotion on his face. But I know he’s thinking the same thing I am from the hard line he’s pressed his mouth into. He doesn’t want to tell Conor a damn thing. I prefer not to pull him and Miles into the loop whenever possible, and if we are keeping the snipers a secret, then he doesn’t need to know. I need the two of them to think we are putting everything with Eden behind us and moving on. I haven’t even told them about Lochlan.

“You can have Miles release a statement that we understand everyone’s concerns, and we will be removing the guards from any private businesses or residences.” That clearly catches him by surprise, eyes widening. “As for the shop owner, he was a rebel sympathizer who was ultimately killed by the rebels after turning on them. Make sure everyone in the city knows that, too. They need the reminder of who is really their enemy.”

Conor blinks. “You are removing the guards? And doing what with them?”

I shrug a shoulder, as if I couldn’t care. “Returning them to their normal rotations. The rebels have been quiet. I’ve clearly forced them to lay low—besides the unfortunate business with that shop owner. Knowing sympathizers are deflecting should encourage them to stay in hiding, so there’s no reason to be troubling our people with the possibility of them.”

I’m lying, but I need Conor to buy it. More importantly, I need Miles to believe him. Miles is the one that keeps the city happy, the one that I allow to have a loose grip on power for instances like this.

I watch the tension drain out of his body. “Well…I’ll inform Miles. He will be thrilled to give everyone that peace of mind.”

“We all will be.” The words come out a touch more like a threat, especially since I don’t smile when I say it, and that’s enough to have Conor slowly backing away.

“Of course. We’ll get to work on that statement.”

I watch as he rushes out, relieved that, for once, he stayed in line. The sight of that prick alone has me needing a drink and a bit of violence. I wouldn’t have been able to handle an extended conversation today.

“I’m going to find my wife,” I tell Jude as I stride for the door. “Yours better not be with her.”

He chuckles behind me. “Send her home if she is. She’ll give you Eden if she knows I’m waiting.”

I glance back with a brow raised. “Are you sure either of them will choose us?”

Jude’s grin is wicked. “I’m sure we can convince them.”

* * *

“I am getting sick of all these surprises.” Eden shoots me a glare over her shoulder before turning back to the window. “Why don’t you tell me where we’re going?”

My eyes trace down her body, wearing a skintight, black outfit that I suggested. And fuck, does it look good. So much so that I’m not thinking when I answer. “You don’t know where anything is. If I told you, it would still be a surprise.”

She whips around as Jude barks out a laugh in the front. That only makes her hazel eyes burn brighter with anger, and I would be far more worried about what trouble I was going to find myself in if pissing Eden off wasn’t a form of foreplay. Besides, we have to be able to talk about it at some point. I’m not a man that tiptoes around others, not even my wife. She’s tough enough to take it.

That’s why I arch my brow at her, giving her a smirk. “Am I wrong?”

“You’re an ass.”

“That’s not the worst you’ve ever called me.”

Her eyes narrow, but Jude turning off the main path draws her attention. This time, when she twists away, I slide closer. My body presses against hers as I drop my mouth to her ear. “You said you wanted more moments that felt right. This will be one of them.”

The car rolls to a stop at the edge of the training grounds. We keep it tucked out of view around a hidden curve on the mountain, halfway between the compound and the city so it’s safe to be outside. It’s heavily guarded, made up of several sprawling buildings, and in the center are the outdoor sparring rings.

I watch as Eden’s lips part, gaze taking everything in. Just like with the cages, excitement is already buzzing off her skin, her eyes bright even without an explanation. It’s like her body knows how much she loves being here even without the memory of her training all our guards daily for months.

“Come on,” I encourage. “Let me show you around.”

I push open the car door with a gloved hand, and she steps out without hesitation. Those closest to us glance in our direction, some smiling as they see my wife. She made herself a reputation here, but most everyone loved having her.

Catching her hand before she can walk off, I tug her back into my body. “There’s one thing you should know.”

Her head tips back, black curls cascading down her back. “What is that?”

“No one knows what happened.” I can’t stop myself from tracing my thumb along her jaw. “They think you took a small hiatus with me. It’s better if we keep it that way.”

“I can help you with names,” Jude says beside us. I hadn’t even realized he’d walked around the car to where we are. “Or any questions you have.”