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“Which means?”
“Full of themselves.”
We laughed easily, as if we were old friends.
The way she continuously glanced toward Jonas was endearing. There was so much love in her eyes, need that transcended their differences. Maybe the fairytale could come true.
If the obstacles weren’t too significant.
“Phoenix was in love before.”
“Yes.” The one-word answer was a clear indication the subject was dicey.
“That’s why you’re so protective.”
She shrugged, fingering her phone. “One reason. I don’t want to see him hurt again. I know he’s a big boy, but he is my brother.”
“What happened?”
She instantly shut down. I could see it in her eyes. “That’s a story my brother would like to see forgotten.”
“So don’t ask.”
“He needs to tell you. Hell, he needs to talk about it. He completely shut down, going into a dark place, so much so that I didn’t recognize him any longer. But you know what’s funny?” She slowly turned her head. “When he mentions you, he lights up like a firecracker. You brought the light back into his life.”
A slight tremor in my stomach made me feel warm and fuzzy. “Maybe he brought a taste of darkness into my life, something that was sorely missing.”
“Then I deem you perfect for each other. Don’t forget to ask me to be a bridesmaid if not your maid of honor at the wedding.” She laughed again, her eyes glistening not from the sun, but from the love she felt for a man she wasn’t supposed to feel affection with. At least we could share in similar stories.
“I won’t forget.”
“I don’t mean to be rude but…” She gave me a wicked look. “Do you mind terribly if I have a short discussion with one of the soldiers? I need to ensure that they are following orders to the letter.”
“Of course, I don’t mind. We do need to be safe.”
I thought she was going to turn over the table when she jumped up. I pulled out my phone, curious if Phoenix had left me a message. The blank screen was a reminder that I had no family. Could I learn to love a group of people I didn’t know? Just hearing Elena’s laughter made me smile. Maybe it was possible.
As I placed the phone on the table, I closed my eyes, trying to remember what my father had said during the last message. I’d tried to talk over him, ignoring the urgency in his voice. God. Then I’d hung up on him.
Why did you do it, Dad? Why? Did you really have a reason other than a selfish one?
Where was the package?
As I tapped my fingers on the table, it suddenly dawned on me that my downstairs neighbor had picked up two packages that had been left in the lobby. I’d been forced to track them down.
Shit. What if Mrs. Miller had it?
Maybe I could contact Elizabeth to go to my building. No one knew who she was so she shouldn’t be in any danger. It was worth trying.
I glanced over my shoulder at the swooning couple. The last thing I wanted to do was let anyone know what I was doing. I needed a diversion.
My father’s words pushed into the back of my mind once again. I concentrated, my brain telling me that he’d managed to let other clues slip before I’d ended the call.
He’d moaned, which hadn’t been like him. “Please listen to me. I sent you something. You’ll know what to do with it.”
“Did you not hear me? I don’t want to have anything to do with you.”
“There are some irreputable people hunting for me. Be careful with the information I sent you. But you’re a smart girl. You’re my beautiful daughter and I love you.”
