Page 136 of The Heart You Kept

I guess that’s why we’re so tight, we get it.

“Can we talk?” Hermione asks.

“What are you doing here?” I ask her softly. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”

“I had to see you.”

My eyes drift over her shoulder to see Sinclair and Theo smirking as they clink their champagne glasses, thinking this is hilarious.

Fuckers.

This is the setup of all setups.

“I have to work, now isn’t a good time, Hermione,” I say softly, screw him for bringing her to me. I’m going to kill him with my bare hands.

“Shall I go back and wait at your place for you to get home?” she asks hopefully. “We need to sort this mess out.”

“No.” I grab a glass of champagne off a passing tray and give it to her. “You go and have fun. I have to work for a bit. I’ll come find you later.”

“Okay.” She smiles up at me.

I throw the boys a look and walk off before she tries to kiss me, this is a literal fucking disaster. I walk around the corner, take out my phone and call Philippe.

“Hi, boss.”

“What’s happening?”

“Nothing, they talked for about five minutes.”

“Where is he now?”

“He walked off in the other direction.”

“So…. Where is Alora now?”

“She’s just crossing the road on the way back to the hotel.”

“Okay.” I feel myself relax a little. “Just um….” I try to collect my thoughts. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”

She’s important.

“Yes, boss, I’ll call you if there are any developments.”

“Thank you.” I stuff my phone back into my pocket and turn to Olivier, my guard who’s trailing behind me. “Keep King Volter away from me at all costs.”

He nods. “Yes, sir.”

I glance over and smirk as the chance to repay the favor appears. “Margarite.” I smile. “Bonjour.”

“Edward.” She kisses both my cheeks.

“Sinclair is looking everywhere for you.” I take her hand. “Let me take you to him.”

“He is?” Her eyes widen in excitement.

I lead her through the hall and Sinclair sees us approaching and turns his back to us in hope we don’t see him. “Sinclair. I have a surprise for you.” I tap him on the shoulder and he turns toward us acting surprised and I pass Margarite’s hand to him. “Look who I found.”

“Great.” He fakes a smile as he gives me the side eye.