Page 94 of Into the Woods

Court made a sound behind me, but Rook shook his head. “It’s just a phone call, bro. She’s not going to his house. Bex can handle a phone call.”

“I can,” I confirmed, turning to look at Court.

He stared down at me, clearly unhappy, but he eventually nodded just as my phone stopped ringing. After a beat, it started again. I pulled away from Court and took the phone from Bishop, then swiped my thumb across the screen to answer.

“Hey!” I forced a bright, cheery tone. “What’s—”

“Where the fuck have you been?” Eric’s voice was a dangerous snarl that took me aback.

I’d never heard him sound so furious. Something in my expression must’ve given away my shock because Court was right in front of me a second later, his face concerned while his eyes flashed fire.

“Uh, I’ve been busy,” I said slowly. “Is everything okay?”

Eric made a huffing sound. “I was worried when I didn’t hear from you.”

“I was with my friends,” I hedged, backing up to sit on the arm of the sofa. Court followed me, mirroring each step and standing between my legs. He casually linked our fingers, and the show of support helped steady my nerves.

“When will you be back in Paris?” he demanded.

“I’ll be back for my grandmother’s birthday,” I replied, keeping my tone even and calm.

Eric sucked in a sharp breath. “No, that won’t do. I need to see you before then. Where are you in California? I’ll get on my company plane within the hour. I can be there in twelve hours.”

My jaw dropped. “You… you want to come to California?” I shot Court a wild look.

His brows shot up and he shook his head vehemently.

“Eric, that’s really sweet—” I struggled to find the right words.

“I miss you.” He made it sound so simple, and if he was anyone other than a human trafficking psycho, it might’ve been sweet. “I’ll be there by… tomorrow morning your time. We can grab breakfast.”

“No!” I shouted. “You can’t.”

“Why not?” His voice had taken on an icy tone that sent shivers up and down my spine.

I pushed out a broken laugh. “Well, because I’m coming home in a few hours.” I couldn’t look at Court as I said it, but I could feel the frustrated rage coming off him in waves.

“You are?” Eric didn’t sound convinced.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” I improvised, sounding disappointed. “It didn’t take long to wrap things up here. I just needed to sign a few forms in person and meet with the dean. I already have a flight booked for first thing in the morning. I’ll be back in Paris by the evening.”

“What time? I’ll get you from the airport.” He made it sound like a foregone conclusion instead of an offer.

“Oh, no,” I insisted. “Our driver will pick me up.”

“No, I insis—”

“How about we plan on a late dinner?” I suggested, railroading through his protest. “Say eight o’clock? Think you can grab us a table at Aubergine again?” At least the restaurant was close to the hotel, which meant the guys would be nearby.

Court squeezed my fingers to the point of pain, but I refused to look at him. I knew he wouldn’t be on board, and I’d deal with the fallout of his wrath after I hung up.

“Of course,” Eric replied, sounding more in control. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“Great,” I said, trying to tug away from Court, but he wasn’t letting go.

“Oh, and Bex?” Eric began, his tone softer.

“Hmm?”

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