Page 79 of The Fox

Gods, I need this to go the way I want it to. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I am.

I pull away from him, tilting my head up. Rhodes dips his face to mine, the loose hair not contained in his top knot forming a curtain around us as he kisses me hard. My heart cries out, realizing that Rhodes is pouring everything he cannot bring himself to say into this kiss.

I love you.

I need you.

Come back home.

I will not lose you.

I push back into his kiss, answering with equal ferocity.

I love you.

I need you.

I will.

You won’t.

I break the kiss first, stepping out from his hold, our gazes each full of unspoken feelings and fears. I swallow them down, straightening my spine.

“I will see you for dinner, okay?” I barely contain the tremor wanting to slip into my voice. “Let’s do pizza. No pineapple though.”

Rhodes is quiet, his gaze knowing. He always knows.

“Sure thing,kochanie. Don’t be late, you hear?” He gives me a small grin that falters when I start to turn for the front door. “I love you, Amelia Conte.”

“I love you, Rhodes Alexander.”

I make it to my car before the tears fall. Slipping into the driver seat, I back out of my driveway, catching a glimpse of him staring out the window, watching me pull away.Fuck.I drive slowly to The Morning Medusa, pulling into a spot right in front of the building. I take a slow breath before walking in. My best friend immediately spots me and she stumbles. I make my way to the counter, willing my voice to not give out.

“Can I get my usual?” Parker can’t meet my eyes, and it's because she’s trying to do the same thing I am. Her focus is on the espresso machine in front of her.

“To-go?” she asks, her hands shaking.

“Yep.”Keep it together Amelia.

“Sure thing. This one is on the house.”

“Parks.”

She shakes her head, bottom lip pulled into her mouth. “Don’t. I’m barely keeping it together, Ames.” Her head drops, and suddenly, the towel from her hand is flung onto the counter. I watch as Parker scurries around the barrier before launching her body at mine. Her grip is crushing and I know mine is just as hard on her frame.

“Don’t,” she whispers brokenly. “We aren’t doing this, you hear me? I will see you tomorrow morning, in your corner.”

All I can do is nod into her shoulder. Parker holds me together once more, just like she did the night I took over the Outfit.

She pulls back, resting her hands on my shoulders and sniffling. I reach up, wiping the tears from her face. She bores her stare into my eyes, those emerald eyes serious. “Now, go remind that arsehole just who the fuck you are.”

I hear my coffee order called out, and Parkers gives my shoulders one final squeeze, sliding her body back behind the counter. She nods as I grab my coffee and walk out the door.

I blast the radio while I make the forty-five minute drive, wiping the tears from my face. Thank gods I didn’t put any eyeliner or mascara on this morning. I don’t bother trying to stop them because I know there is a slim chance that I don’t walk out of this meeting. I reach the exit, and as I drive down the road, I feel myself slip into who I need to be.

The mask falls into place, the facade coating my body like a loving embrace. There are no longer demons in the shadows with me. The darkness is solely mine. The queen is home and the devil has called his demons back to him.

I pull up to Seamus’ warehouse, noting that Duncan is already here, and I spot Medina’s Lamborghini Aventador. Fantastic. I snag my purse, open my door, and nod at my Underboss before stepping to the entrance of the building. Taking two breaths in, I smooth my hands down my body, double checking my knives are still in place. I had decided to wear my leather jacket, and now, I’m grateful. I could stash one in the pocket and tuck the second, a well balanced throwing knife, in a garter under my dress. My spare is hidden into the clutch I’m holding. It’s a cheeky one, crafted to resemble a tube of lipstick.

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