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Jafar says, “I was once in your shoes. I wasn’t there and couldn’t save the woman I loved. I fucked up. Many times. God knows I don’t deserve her.”
I huff out a laugh. “I hope there’s an uplifting point to this story.”
“There isn’t. I wasn’t there when Ellie needed me most. Not only that, but I hurt her for years because I couldn’t get over myself and tell her I loved her. But by some miracle, she forgave me. She likes to say that I saved her, but I’m the one who was saved.” The baby sound gets closer and Jafar’s tone changes. “And now I spend my days making sure my son knows nothing but love. I hope you’ll do the same.”
My chest is tight, and I have to clear my throat twice before I can speak. “I plan on it.”
“Good. Let me know if you need any help with your situation.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Ending the call, I run my hand through my hair. Seeing the footage from Jafar’s hotel was a lot. The fact that Clayton Greystoke touched what’s mine and is still alive grates at me. But not as much as knowing that Ari told me he was hurting her. What else has he done that I don’t know about?
Grabbing my phone, I make my way to the first floor, where my car is waiting. Inside, I’m not surprised to find Seb, who was instructed to meet me after dropping Ari off at the house.
“How is she?”
“Upset. The fucker showed up at the end of the meeting. Said he’s going to be at the dress fitting.”
I scoff. “He won’t be.”
“And how do you plan on making that happen? You haven’t given a damn this entire time. Don’t you think it’s going to look odd to start now?”
“He won’t be there because he’ll be with me at Unfortunate Souls. I need him occupied while some things are being taken care of behind the scenes.”
“Things?”
I nod. “I spoke to Midas today. His man, The Huntsman, has located Max Erics.”
This gets his attention. “They have? Why?”
“When Ari met Mrs. Jafar for lunch, there were some guests there that we didn’t know about. Winter Phrygia was one of them.”
“And?”
“And now Max Erics is being taken care of and my hands will be clean.”
“Midas is going to kill him?”
I shake my head. “No, Winter is.”
Seb shakes his head in disbelief. “This doesn’t make sense.”
“It does if you know who Winter really is. Does the name Igor Smirnova ring a bell?”
“Fucking hell. I’d have to live under a rock to not know that name. He recently died, right?”
I nod. “Winter is his daughter. She changed her name when she moved to the States. Apparently, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, because little Snezhana Smirnova, now known as Winter Phrygia, has made it known that Erics’ life will end at her hands.”
“Fucking hell.” Seb leans back. “Any other revelations that you want to let me in on?”
“Soon, my friend. Soon.” I pause. “I’m worried that Ari won’t be able to forgive me. I’ve let her down. Not only that, but I’ve lied to her.”
“She may not forgive you, Kieran, but all you can do is try. Oh, and break up with that wench, Jane.”
I snort. “Working on it, my friend. If I hear from Jetsam and Flotsam, it will be sooner than later.”
The car arrives at the house and Seb and I make our way inside. I know Ari is in her room since I was watching the security feed in the house most of the car ride home.
