I gritted my teeth. Lucian had no idea what real love felt like, but I needed his resources to eliminate Sable. Our deal was simple-I wanted Sable dead so I could have Caelan to myself, and Lucian was trying to reclaim his rightful position in the Blackwood hierarchy.
He had the power, the connections, the network of rogues that I could never access on my own. In exchange, I fed him carefully selected information-just enough to help him plan operations like tonight’s attack, but never anything that would truly harm Caelan or weaken his position permanently.
“You’re right,” I said finally. “We need to regroup. Caelan is already investigating what happened last night. He’s going to dig into every detail.”
“So?”
“So you need to be more careful. Those two rogues you sent-they’ve been captured. If they talk…”
“They won’t talk, Lucian’s voice was cold. “I’ll make sure of that.”
I understood his meaning perfectly, “Good. Because if this gets traced back to either of us, we’re both finished.”
“What about you?” he asked. “Can you handle the scrutiny?
I played the repentant victim,” I replied. “I agreed to return to the treatment center like the good little patient everyone expects me to be. But once I’m away from Blackwood territory…”
Sable’s POV
I pushed open my apartment door and let out a long breath. The tension finally started leaving my shoulders as I set my bag on the small table by the entrance. My coat went on its usual hook, and I rolled my neck, working out the knots that had formed.
I kicked off my heels and sank into the plush cushions of my sofa, closing my eyes for just a moment.
My phone rang. The screen lit up with an incoming video call, and my lips curved upward without permission.
When I answered, Daisy’s bright face filled the screen. She wore a white dress with tiny flowers embroidered on the collar.
“Sabelate!” Her voice bubbled with excitement. “You’re home! Are you hurt? Did those bad people try to hurt you again?”
I smiled. “I’m perfectly fine, little princess. Did you eat all your lunch today?”
She nodded enthusiastically, then her expression grew serious. “I ate everything, but I was so worried about you! Those scary men from last night were really mean.”
Her eyes suddenly sparkled. “But guess what? I have something super important to tell you!”
I leaned closer to the screen. “What is it?”
“You have to thank Caelan for me!” She bounced in her chair. “Daddy told me he saved you, just like the knights in my storybooks! He must be really brave and handsome!”
A laugh escaped before I could stop it. “I’ll make sure to pass along your message.”
Daisy straightened up, putting on her most grown-up expression. She cleared her throat like she was about to make an important announcement.
“After thinking about it very carefully…” She paused dramatically. “I give him permission to sleep with you every night!”
Her cheeks turned pink, clearly proud of herself for saying something so mature.
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. “That’s very generous of you.”
“Wait, wait!” She scrambled away from the camera, returning with a piece of paper covered in crayon marks.
“Look what I made!” She held the drawing close to the screen.
Six stick figures stood in a row, all holding hands with enormous smiles drawn on their circular heads. I could tell which one was me-Daisy had drawn two small circles on my face to represent my dimples. Daisy had given herself distinctive curly locks. Victoria wore a triangular dress, and Dad stood proudly beside us. A dark-haired man towered over everyone else-clearly Caelan, with his name written above him in wobbly letters.
But there was a sixth figure standing next to me-a woman with longer hair.
“Who’s that person beside me?” I asked. “Is that Mary?”
“No, silly!” Daisy giggled. “That’s your mommy, Isabella. I found a photo album with pictures of you two together!”
My throat tightened.
“Sable, don’t forget-even though your mama is in heaven, she’s still right next to you. You just can’t see her.” Daisy’s voice grew soft and earnest. And we all love you too, so you’re never really alone.”
She held the drawing up again, beaming. “Now we’re a real family!”
Tears blurred my vision. I couldn’t speak for several seconds.
#
Victoria appeared behind Daisy, wearing a cream-colored cardigan. Her movements were stiff, and she avoided looking directly at the camera.
“Sable.” She paused, running her fingers through Daisy’s hair. “About what happened last night…”
Another pause. Her jaw worked like she was forcing out words.
Thank you. For protecting Daisy.”
Her tone was awkward, almost painful, but genuine.
I nodded. “She’s my sister. Of course I’d protect her.”
Dad’s deep voice carried from somewhere off-screen. “The danger only exists because of Caelan.”
The camera shifted as Daisy turned toward him. Dad sat at his desk, papers spread in front of him, his expression stern.
“Sable shouldn’t continue seeing him,” he continued without looking up.
Daisy spun around, hands on her tiny hips. “Daddy! Caelan protected us! He’s one of the good guys!”
Victoria rested a gentle hand on Daisy’s shoulder. “Rodrigo, you should trust Sable’s judgment.”
I blinked in surprise. Victoria defending me was the last thing I’d expected.
A wry smile tugged at my lips. “Dad, Caelan wants to talk with you. Don’t be so quick to judge. You’re acting exactly like when I was in high school and you didn’t want me dating anyone.”
Dad’s grunt of annoyance was audible even through the phone.
“Alright,” Victoria said, her voice taking on a maternal tone. “Sable, you should rest. Your father’s just being protective-you know how he gets. I’ll work on him.”
“Thank you.” I meant it.
“Bye, Sabelate!” Daisy blew a kiss at the screen.
I blew one back, and the call ended.
Setting my phone aside, I headed for the bathroom. The hot water felt amazing against my skin, washing away the last traces of stress.
After my shower, I found myself in the kitchen, pulling ingredients from various cabinets.
“Almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, strawberry powder…” I murmured to myself, arranging everything on the counter.
Soon the kitchen filled with the delicate scent of macarons baking. I watched through the oven window as the shells puffed up, forming their characteristic “feet.”
When the timer chimed, I was so eager to see the results that I forgot the most basic rule of baking.
I reached for the hot baking sheet bare-handed.
“Ow!” I jerked my hand back as pain shot through my index finger. A small red mark appeared where my skin had touched the scorching oven rack.
I ran cold water over the burn, then grabbed oven mitts to properly remove my macarons. They were perfect-pale pink shells with a smooth, glossy surface.
After letting them cool, I carefully arranged the delicate cookies in a white pastry box.
I changed into a simple white sundress and gathered my things.
The elevator carried me down to the parking garage.
But as I rounded the corner, I stopped short.
Darrell was leaning against my car, arms crossed, looking like he’d been waiting for a while.
His hair hung loose and unkempt across his forehead, no longer styled in that careful sweep he always maintained. Dark stubble covered his jaw and cheeks – the kind that comes from several days without shaving. Deep shadows circled his bloodshot eyes.
When he saw me, he straightened and took a few hesitant steps forward, then stopped as it invisible barriers held him back.
“Sable…” His voice came out as a rasp. He cleared his throat and tried again.
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