Page 4 of Perfect Sin

She gets back on the phone, and the sound of her breathing is enough to calm me.

“I miss you,” she whispers. I don’t like the sadness creeping into her voice.

“I miss you too, princess. You’re still my everything. Don’t forget that. Stay with your brother and we’ll figure this out. We will be together again.”

“I’m going to hold you to that, husband.”

Despite the dire circumstances, hearing her call me that makes me smile. “I’ll call again as soon as I can.”

We wrap up our call, and I immediately dial Ford. Unlike when Lucien tried, he answers on the second ring.

“Holy shit, are you guys okay? Where are you?”

“It’s a very long story. Damien has Raven, and apparently the governor is my father. The entire situation is fucked, but Lucien is with Raven and he swears she’s safe. How is Jen? Has anyone heard about Ted?”

He exhales. “Ted is in critical condition. The doctor is hopeful, but he’s still unconscious. Luckily the bullet missed all his vital organs. He’s got an infection, and we’re waiting to see if the antibiotics clear that up. Jen is awake. She’s not completely out of the woods yet, but they think she’ll make a full recovery. Amber was already discharged, and she’s at home resting.”

“I don’t have long,” I lower my voice to prevent the guards from listening in. “Contact Holbrook and give him an update. We’re going to need some help. We’re safe for now, but I have no idea what Damien is planning, and I don’t want to leave Raven up to his goodwill.”

“I’ll take care of it. Until then stay sharp.”

“I will. Please keep me posted on Jen and Ted.”

My phone beeps and the battery shuts down. I’m surprised I was able to complete both calls before it powers off.

Arthur and Carina wait for me on the front porch. She smiles when she sees me coming, but Arthur is more conflicted about me now that he’s got me at his home. The thought that I make him uncomfortable makes me smile.

“Are you hungry? I can have the cook make you something to eat,” Carina fusses.

“I’m fine,” I say, making an effort to be less hostile.

“I’m sure you’re worn out from the journey. I’ll show you to your room,” Arthur offers.

He doesn’t offer me a tour, and I don’t ask for one. I can tell from the entryway I don’t belong in this place. There’s too much marble, sparkling glass, and bright white walls. This isn’t a building meant to inspire warmth and home but instead power and dominance.

Up the curved staircase he leads me to a room at the end of the hall. There’s a lock on the outside of the door. I cross my arms and refuse to enter. “Give me the key,” I demand.

His eyes flash with irritation.

“Did you really think you’d show me to a room then lock me inside?”

“How are we going to know you’ll stay?” he challenges.

“You don’t. You shouldn’t expect me to stay, because I’m promising you right now, I’m not going to. Give me the key or I’ll leave right now,” I press.

He hands me a key, and I try it in the lock. It fits, but doesn’t turn the mechanism. “You’re really pissing me off, Arthur. I’m not like most people you meet. I won’t be intimidated into doing your bidding, and I certainly am not going to be locked in my room like an errant child. You are obviously having difficulty realizing I’m twenty-one and no longer need you.”

Slipping another key off the ring in his hand he puts it in my hand. This one turns the lock. I check the other side, making sure it works on the inside as well. “Wise choice,” I murmur.

Carina seems to be the most eager to keep me happy. She’s the one who will give me what I need. “Do you have a spare charger?” I ask her.

She smiles at me. “Of course. I’ll be right back with it.”

I decide to be kinder to her. At least she hasn’t started issuing demands and recriminations.

“We’re having dinner with old family friends tomorrow night. I’d like for you to attend. It’ll be easier to ease you back into society.”

I clench my jaw. As much as I’d like to refuse him, Damien wants me to be seen with them, and if I don’t convince him to bring me to events, I won’t get to see Raven. Until I can figure out another way to get to her, I have to at least make him think I’m trying to settle in.

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