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I compose myself and forcefully swing open the door, irritation lacing my words, “What?” I bark.
The guard’s face remains impassive as he meets my gaze, unaffected by my tone.
“Time’s up. We’re taking him back to his cell. He’s scheduled for release this evening.”
That was incredibly quick, Caspian.
I blink, trying to conceal my surprise and offer a brief nod in acknowledgment.
Turning to Darian, I subtly tilt my head, mustering a hint of a smile. “Seems luck is on your side, sir.”
Chapter 41
Leaving Darian in that station has my gut twisted into a million pieces.
I slide in the backseat of the cab, quietly providing the address of the apartment, my mind consumed by thoughts and uncertainties throughout the rest of the journey home.
Val is already waiting in the living area as I step through the door, his ears perked forward. Letting out a weary sigh, I kick off my shoes and join him on the couch, leaning against his side, I press a gentle kiss on his shoulder.
“He looked worse for wear in there, Val. Caspian said he’d pull strings to get him released tonight but, unless Caspian was the reason Darian was put there in the first place, something’s not right.”
Val responds with a subtle head tilt.
With a heavy sigh, I make my way to the kitchen, determined to distract myself from the unease gnawing at me. Cooking dinner for the two of us becomes a welcome respite, if only temporarily.
Midnight comes and goes, and my anxiety intensifies as Darian still hasn’t returned. I reach for the phone and dial the police station, my heart pounding with each passing second.
The officer on the other end confirms that he was released at 11 PM, providing a small sense of relief.
There’s still plenty of time for him to make his way home. Despite my self-reassurance, unease lingers in the back of my mind, refusing to be silenced.
Sitting on the couch with Val, I find myself drifting off, my eyelids growing heavier with each blink.
Glancing at the clock, it’s been hours since Darian was supposed to return. My heart skips a beat as a fresh wave of worry hits me, jolting me fully awake.
I reach for my cell phone and quickly dial Caspian’s number, desperation fueling my trembling fingers.
I resent having to rely on Caspian at this moment, but he is Darian’s own brother.
Surely, he wouldn’t go against our agreement, would he?
With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I press the call button.
“What is it, Lara? Darian not satisfying you or did you just miss my voice?” Caspian’s voice is thick with sleep, and his dig only fuels my anger.
Every well-thought-out plan crumbles in the face of my mounting impatience
Impulsiveness sinks its claws into me, overriding any rationality that may have remained. “We need to talk,” I state firmly, “Come to the apartment. Alone.”
Without waiting for a response, I abruptly hang up.
Twenty minutes later, a knock reverberates through the apartment.
Using the peephole, I confirm it is him before unlocking the door and holding it open.
His wary gaze briefly flicks to Val, who remains settled on the couch.
With his focus on Val, I quickly move toward him from behind the closing door, pressing the edge of my dagger against the sensitive skin of his neck, applying just enough pressure to make my point.
