Page 23 of Virtue & Vengeance

She was feisty.

I’d give her that.

But what she didn’t know was I lived for a challenge.

The drive to Kennedy’s condo didn’t take long, and when I parked and began to get out of the car with her, she stopped me.

“You don’t need to get out.”

“Sure I do. There could be a monster hiding inside waiting for you.”

It was a joke.

Kind of.

The fact was I could have been telling the truth, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was my gut was telling me to check Kennedy’s place before I left Eden alone there.

“I’m not a baby, Zander,” she spat.

“Of course you’re not. I’m not a pedophile.”

I shut my car door behind me and started inside the building without checking if she was following me or not.

She would.

“This is stupid,” she said when reached my side. “I’m not a child.”

I stopped.

“As I said, I’m aware that you’re not a child, but I’m not dumping you here alone without at least checking the condo. Quit bitching already. As far as I’m concerned you’re my responsibility until Kennedy gets back.”

Without waiting for her to respond, I pressed the elevator button and got on when the doors opened.

She followed.

I determined the condo was empty after checking every square inch of the place.

Eden sat on the couch downstairs pouting with her arms crossed over her chest.

She could stay pissed for all I cared. As long as she was safe while she did so.

Once I was finished with my inspection, I went into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and snagged a bottle of water from the top shelf.

“I wish you’d consider staying at Empire until Kennedy gets home,” I said, taking a gulp from the bottle.

“Not going to happen.”

“Suit yourself, but be aware I’ll be checking on you constantly.”

Finishing off my water, I tossed the empty bottle in the trash and started toward the door. She was on my heels, ready to be rid of me.

“That won’t be necessary. I can take care of myself.”

I turned on her so fast, she bumped into me, and my arm went around her waist, holding her tight.

“I wasn’t asking. I was telling you.”

She grinned, but it wasn’t a pleasant smile.

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