Page 58 of Betrayed in the Dark
On the one hand, she can take care of herself. I know she can. But what I’ve been witnessing over the course of the night has me questioning everything I’ve ever known.
My Madeleine wouldn’t take this shit.
She wouldn’t cower under their stares or cruel words.
She’d fight back.
With her sharp tongue and lethal gaze.
She’d come out victorious with some witty remark or insult.
But the woman I just witnessed being berated by almost every member of that family left my chest feeling tight, my head confused, and my heart heavy.
My Madeleine wouldn’t be engaged to the world’s biggest arsehole.
But she’s not yours.
Not anymore.
I stare at the spot where she disappeared around the corner out of sight, and all I can think is…
Like hell, she isn’t mine.
Pushing the chair out of my way a little harder than necessary, I step in that direction when the sudden vibration of my phone in my pocket catches my attention. Pulling it out, I see Enzio’s name on the screen.
“Excuse me,” I say, looking around at everyone as I back away, place the phone to my ear, and walk toward the back of the room. “Yes?”
“You ready to kill someone yet at this dinner?”
“How’d you know about it?”
“Cressida always tries to get me to come to them.”
I shake my head. “I can’t decide which of them I want to kill first.”
“My money’s on my father. Although that Mila is a feisty one.” He laughs. “I’m calling because, with Alastor in town for the week, it gives you an opportunity toquestionTony.”
“Where is he?”
“He has an apartment in the same building as Alastor’s.”
“And how do you plan on us getting him alone?”
“I happen to know he despises our parents, which is why he’s not at the dinner tonight.” He chuckles. “On Thursday, my parents are hosting a gala in the city. Alastor will be in attendance to show his face, and Tony will most likely stay behind, giving you the opportunity for some one-on-one time.”
“Okay…” I process his words. “But if it’s Alastor’s building, how do you expect us to enter unseen?”
“Alex can hack into the security system, correct?”
I pause, considering. “Shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Good. Let me know what you find out. It may be nothing, but it doesn’t hurt to confirm.”
“We will,” I answer.
“How much longer will this dinner be?”
I glance over at the table where Madeleine and Alastor are taking their seats. Madeleine frowns, pressing her fingers into her temple, while Mila talks animatedly about something, and Alastor and Adolfo laugh boisterously.
