Chapter 142

Ari’s hand paused on the doorknob. He couldn’t see Elodie’s face. Was she smiling? Blushing? Or savouring the intimacy? A primal fury boiled in his gut, fuelled by exhaustion and adrenaline. He’d flown back as soon as the pain in his arm had receded enough to allow it. The bullet wound, a souvenir from his father’s ruthless rivals, throbbed in protest with every movement, but the ache in his heart dwarfed the physical one. It had taken him longer than expected to shake off his pursuers, who couldn’t get to Jay on Isola di Sirena, guarded like a fortress, so picked him as an easier target instead. The moment he felt he was safe, he flew back to Los Montical, ready with an apology to Elodie for his prolonged absence and silence. Yet, he didn’t expect to see her in Dashiell’s arms. Ari seethed. He’d only been gone a week, did she forget that he was her boyfriend? He was about to storm into the room when a shrill ring shattered the tableau. Dashiell, startled, immediately released Elodie a