Chapter 255

Elodie returned to the bar, clutching her phone. ‘Everything okay?’ Dashiell asked. ‘Fine. I’ve had a long day and am going up to my room. Good night.’ ‘You don’t look fine.’ Dashiell refused to end the conversation. ‘Anything I can help with?’ Rattled by the call from Giovanna and slightly worried about Ari, Elodie was about to snap at him when she glimpsed his arm. He said he’d healed, but he was still favouring his other arm and she detected the faint smell of medicinal salve. ‘It’s nothing.’ She stared into his eyes. ‘Look, Dash, we both know why you are here, and don’t tell me it’s business. KHG doesn’t even have an office here. I appreciate what you did for me, but I don’t think we can be friends, let alone anything more. Let me finish.’ She raised an arm to stop him when Dashiell opened his mouth to protest. ‘Miriam has asked me to keep my distance and I respect her too much to go against her wishes. I hope you understand.’ Dashiell clenched his hands into fists. ‘My mother does