Page 26 of Desperate Vows

“No, I’m telling you, I think she likes you.”

I grunted a laugh. “I’m not sure about that. I think she tolerates me. I mean, I don’t care, she’s mine now, but you may be going a little too far.”

“You know how much I hate anyone who has hurt you, so you know my loathing of the Benoits is real. Which means this is a lot coming from me. I don’t think she’s anything like her father. There’s a sadness that clings to her.”

“Why are you telling me all this?”

Thea sat up and leaned forward, stretching her hand across the desk to cover mine. “Because I love you, and I want you to be happy. You’re lonely and need someone to love. Our world is violence and death, and you need to be able to go home to something good and soul-soothing. The light is dying in your eyes, and I simply can’t stand it.”

“I’m fine.”

“No, you aren’t. All this pressure is on you: the finances, the restaurant, the bar, the promises you made. You take care of so many people; someone needs to be able to take care of you. I think Claire might be the one to do that.” She shook off whatever this weird moment was and sat back. Cool and collected, Thea was back in the office. “She picked a beautiful dress, by the way.”

I thought back to the conversation I had with her. When I sent the first text, I figured there’d be two reactions. She’d cuss me out or not respond at all. She’d had time to think about the night before, and there was a good chance maybe she felt different.

When I got the hi back, I smiled. I didn’t know if Thea was reading Claire right when it came to liking me. I hadn’t done much to be all that likable yet, but I did like Claire. There was no logical explanation. I just did, especially after last night. I wasn’t kidding about making it a habit.

It baffled me that she was looking for affirmation when I told her she was beautiful.

“Something over the top?” I asked.

“No. That’s when I knew I really liked her.” She tilted her head. “Aunt Helen likes her too.”

I just stared at her.

“Close your mouth, dear brother. With everything that has gone on in this restaurant, it’s not wise to leave it open.”

“Thea…” I warned.

The cobra’s hood flared, and she was serious. “You should know she’s terrified of Franklin. She complained about him and nearly panicked, thinking it’d get back to him.”

“That could be?—”

“A play? Maybe, but I’ve witnessed enough terror to know it when I see it. I’m not saying she’s not trying to take over, but she is scared of him. I’m certain of that.”

I didn’t know what to think. This could all be an elaborate ruse. A way of hurting my family. “Remy isn’t going to let me just leave with her.”

“Give me a ten-minute head start and leave him to me.” It wasn't until she was already at the door that I realized she was going to distract Franklin's lieutenant. “I’ll see you later.”

I was right behind Thea, and we met Ari on the way out.

He looked from me to Thea. “What’s going on?”

“We’re extracting Claire.” Thea crossed her arms over her chest.

She made it sound like we’re MI-6 or something. Noble. I was a two-bit thug with a full-blown librarian addiction. I didn’t just want to see Claire. I needed to see her. To make sure she was okay. “Franklin asked me to make sure she’s okay while he’s out of town. I’m just going the extra mile for a better tip.” I tried to laugh it off, but Ari was having none of it.

“We’re doing good stuff. The streets are safe. If you get in the middle of Franklin and that woman, you could bring it all crashing down.”

I palmed Ari’s shoulder. “I hear you, but?—”

“She’s in trouble, Ari.” Thea stepped forward. “I hate people. I don’t go out of my way for just anyone. If I’m wrong, I’ll personally give myself to Franklin and tell him it was all my idea.”

Ari and I exchanged looks. That would never happen. We’d let the city burn down before we let Thea do that, but the fact that she’d put herself on the line like that spoke volumes.

Ari rubbed his face with his hands. “All right. I’ll tell Dimitris and Alexander. We’ll be ready if something goes down.”

This whole thing was nuts. It would be smart to turn around, go back to my office, and stay there. But I wasn’t smart.

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