Chapter 233

‘I’m sorry, El.’ Ari raked a hand through his hair at the sight of her bandaged forehead. ‘I screwed up. I should’ve never called off my guys. I just didn’t want you to feel like you were suffocating under my security detail.’ ‘I know.’ Elodie hugged him. ‘It’s not your fault. I asked you to pull them back, remember?’ ‘Are you sure you are okay? Where else are you hurt?’ He began to run a hand over her back and arms, checking for more bruises. A loud cough sounded behind Elodie. She pulled back and stepped aside, revealing Gabriel with a disapproving scowl. Ari straightened up. ‘Remember what you promised me during that dinner?’ Gabriel’s voice was even, but his tone was censorious. ‘I do. And I promise—I swear I’ll do a better job of keeping her safe.’ ‘Hey, lay off of him.’ Elodie gave her brother a warning look. ‘No one could’ve predicted this would happen.’ ‘No, your brother’s right. It’s my job to watch over you, and I’ve not been doing a good job of it.’ Ari waited till Elodie di