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“Your only job tonight is to enjoy the night off with your niece.”
“Zander,” she started to protest.
“Nope. I won’t hear it, Kennedy. Empire will survive without you for one night. Brian has to learn how to do this if you’re going to New York next week.”
“What?” Eden said, speaking for the first time, but she was talking to Kennedy. “You’re going to New York? When?”
Kennedy glared at me. “Thanks.”
She turned toward Eden.
“I’m sorry I hadn’t told you yet. I wanted to make sure it was a for sure thing, and I just got the news today that it was. I was going to tell you tomorrow morning at breakfast.”
“How long will you be gone?” Eden asked.
“I’m not sure yet. I have to go help Kade. I’m hoping not long.”
Eden nodded, but I could see the uncertainty in her eyes.
“You’re more than welcome to stay at the hotel while Kennedy’s gone if you want.”
Why the fuck did I just say that?
Kennedy and Eden both looked at me.
One shocked.
One relieved.
“That actually isn’t a bad idea, Eden. I would feel so much better.”
Eden dragged her gaze away from me to her aunt. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow, but I think I’ll be fine at your condo. Especially now that I have a car.”
Kennedy cringed. “More for me to worry about. You driving that rust bucket late at night.”
“Let’s not worry about it tonight,” Eden said, her eyes flashing briefly at me.
I knew she was uncomfortable talking about this in front of me.
Kennedy’s mention of Eden’s “rust bucket” had my curiosity piqued, and I made a mental note to investigate what kind of car she drove.
“Well, I need to get dressed. I’m sure I’ll see you ladies later tonight, but in case I don’t, I hope you have a wonderful time.”
“Thanks, Zander.” Kennedy smiled.
“Thank you,” Eden mumbled.
Walking away, I had to force myself not to turn back and watch Eden walk away.
When I reached the elevator, I pushed the button once and then four times to get it to hurry. I could see the distorted image of them through the gold shine of the elevator doors. They had stopped to talk to someone else, and as the elevator doors opened, I stepped inside and turned.
My eyes found Eden’s briefly, and then the doors closed.
I couldn’t do it anymore.
My body was weak. I would explode. Already, I had come in my pants once. I couldn’t do it.
I took my time getting dressed. The more time I took to get dressed, the less time I would have to be downstairs.
