Page 63 of Burning Your Lies

Ray shrugs. “We’ve only done it once or twice. You’re more than welcome to stay.”

I smile at Savannah. “I’m hurt you didn’t invite me, Miss Hayes. You know how much I enjoy a good game.”

She rolls her eyes and ventures to the kitchen to get Elise the snack she promised.

Brynn calls my name. “Shall we get going? We’re going to miss our reservation.”

The doorbell rings.

“Maybe that’s the guest the fifth glass was reserved for,” I snide as Ray heads to the front door. There’s hushed whispers before I make my way over to see who the mystery player is. “Rowan.”

He looks at Ray and then at me. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

He smirks at Ray. “I came to see my darling.” He looks over my shoulder. “There she is!”

Savannah looks at us with confusion. Elise nestles her head into her neck, which has Savannah rubbing her back. “What are you doing here? More importantly, how the hell do you know where I live?”

“I’m a man of many means. I believe you came to Basileus to pay me a visit. Unfortunately, I was out on business. But I am here now.” He opens his arms as if he’s expecting a hug.

She bounces up and down as Elise fusses. When I try to take her, Savannah walks past me. “It wasn’t urgent. We can talk another time.”

Whatever is going on between them is as unknown to Ray as it is to me. He stares at his wife while she and Rowan have a silent conversation with their gazes.

Rowan grins at her before sighing. “As I’m here, I might as well join the party.” He doesn’t wait for a welcome. Instead, he wanders into the living room. “What do we have here?”

Like sheep, we all follow behind him. Mia, Jordan, and Brynn stare at the four of us. Elise is whinging no matter how much Savannah tries to soothe her.

I reach for her again. “Give her to me.”

She turns the other way. “No.”

I grab her shoulder to stop her from walking away. “She’s unsettled. Give her to me.”

“Don’t touch me,” she spits at me. “I’ve got her. She’s fine.”

“Give me my daughter,” I snap.

She turns to me with daggers in her eyes. “She’s not your daughter.”

I step to her. “Yes, she is.”

“She’smine.”

“No, she's fucking not. Give my daughter back!”

At my raised voice, Elise breaks into a cry and holds onto Savannah.

“Look what you’ve done,” she hisses. She turns Elise so that she’s cradled in her arms. And now that she can see Savannah’s face, Elise calms down. One hand rests on her bare chest and the other on her face. Savannah pretends to nibble on her fingers and lets out a laugh when Elise grins. “Hi, baby. You’re okay, aren’t you? Yes, you are.”

My fingers tremble and my nostril flares at the sight of them. I despise the view as much as I love it. I watch in envy of my daughter as she plays with Savannah’s hair and nestles against her breasts. I break out of my trance when Rowan laughs.

“Motherhood looks so damn fine on you.”

“I’ll get her milk,” Ray mutters as he walks out the room.

Rowan pouts. “We don’t get to see you milk your udders?” The women in the room scoff, which makes him laugh.

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