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“Yes, I absolutely do expect that. Don’t let the fact that Dwain has a big motive blind you. That’s not to say he’s to blame.”
“I agree.” Maddox crossed to Raini and planted a hand on the counter either side of her. “‘Big’ is relative, depending on what the individual in question considers significant. But it is very suspicious that Dwain appears to have lied about being mated. And if he continues to stay off the radar, I’ll be even more inclined to believe he’s at fault.”
“But you won’t go question him without first clearing it with Jolene, right?” Raini prompted. Whatever she saw on his face made her snicker. “Not used to clearing shit with people, huh? Well, make an exception. I really don’t want you two fighting.”
Sensing that her anxiety was very real, Maddox assured her, “I have no intention of making an enemy of your Prime. I would much rather she and I continue to play nice, since it makes life easier for you. Now, back to the subject of your sister’s anchor. Did he have much contact with you while in Vegas?”
“Not really. He did call me yesterday, wanting to meet up for lunch. I politely turned down the invitation. But he pushed and got all pissy, so I … toyed with him a little.”
“Toyed with him how?” Maddox felt his mouth quirk as she told him of her short phone conversation with Dwain. “I see.”
“I’d imagine he wasn’t feeling terribly happy with me.”
“Which could have prompted him to strike again,” Maddox mused. Yes, many things definitely pointed the finger squarely at Dwain. “I want to be kept in the loop about this.”
“If there’s anything to pass on, I’ll tell you.”
Satisfied, he said, “Good. I also need you to forward me the email that this ‘Emmett’ sent. I’m assuming you can remotely log into the studio’s email account.”
“You think you can find out who sent it?”
“Possibly. I won’t know unless I try. Now I need to speak with some of my lair members. First … ” Maddox took her mouth, sweeping his tongue inside, swallowing her soft gasp of surprise. She tasted as good as he remembered. He wanted to feast, savor, consume. But he had a few things to do.
He broke the kiss with a sharp nip to her lower lip. “Sleep naked.”
Her brow furrowed. “Why?”
“I’d rather not have to burn any more of your panties with hellfire just to get them off you.” With that, Maddox teleported to his office and then summoned both his sentinels. They materialized near the small bar.
“Something wrong?” asked Hector.
“Find Euan,” Maddox ordered. “Bring him to me.”
Carmen let out a tired sigh. “What did the dumb fucker do now?”
“Possibly nothing,” replied Maddox. “Possibly something that will earn him a punishment. Someone is attempting to boycott Raini’s business, but it’s not as simple as that.”
Sinking into his office chair, Maddox brought them up to speed. “Jolene has suspects within her own lair. She’s right to also consider that one of my demons could be behind it, given the timing of when it all began. I doubt they are, but I have to look into it.”
Carmen pursed her lips. “Slander is both Euan and Marcella’s style—they’ve proven that recently with the shit they whispered about you. They’d never make a direct move against her for fear of what you’d do. Sly maneuvers like this, though? Yeah, they might do something like that.”
“If it’s one of ours, my money is on Marcella,” said Hector, folding his arms. “Not just because she feels threatened by Raini, but because she resents that—as your anchor—Raini has a true place in your life. It’s the one thing Marcella has always wanted.”
“I intend to have a little talk with Marcella as well,” said Maddox. “But I’d like to speak with Euan first. Fetch him for me.”
Hector nodded and then teleported away.
Maddox looked back at Carmen. “Who’s currently assigned to Raini?”
“Duncan and Hoyt,” she replied. “They find it highly amusing that they’re making the employees at the Underground hotel pretty nervous. Jolene’s also stationed two demons to watch over Raini, as have the Thorne Primes.”
“I expected that they would.” While a part of Maddox reflexively balked at the thought of others taking on the duty of protecting her, since it was rightfully his duty, he’d prefer that she had the added surveillance. Halo-bearers would struggle to get to her while she was so well protected.
He’d briefly wondered if they could be responsible for the boycotting, but he’d dismissed the thought almost as soon as it drifted into his brain. This was too personal.
Just then, Hector reappeared with Euan, who looked appropriately put out. The mere sight of him made Maddox’s demon snarl. It saw only weakness when it looked at Euan. So much bitterness, arrogance, and false bravado.
Euan frowned. “I hope this won’t take long. I wasn’t even halfway through my dinner.”
