Stryker

“Be careful…please.”

“Evangeline,” I moaned, wanting to say more, knowing I didn’t have time.

“I know, Jake,” she whispered. “I wanted you to hear your name on my lips before you went into the ring.”

She hung up and I found myself fighting tears. I held my finger and thumb into the corner of my eyes hoping that they wouldn’t fall. I wanted her here in front of me, not miles away with that bastard.

“Stryker, hurry. They’re coming off the elevator. I need to clear your cell.”

I quickly opened the door and passed him the cell. It took all of a few seconds to sort it out before it was back in my hands. Looking around, I glanced up.

I’d found the hiding place.

Evie

SLIPPING MY FEET INTO my black-heeled shoes, I realized that I still clutched my cell to my chest. I’d rather be clutching Stryker to it instead.

“That’s a heavy sigh.” Patrick came up behind me, and reached out just in time to prevent me from falling in surprise. “Steady, now.”

“What are you doing in here?” I moved out of his hold, turning to face him.

“Your mother sent me to escort you downstairs.” Patrick tugged on the cuffs of his dress shirt while heading for the door.

My mother…ugh!

“We need to talk.” I’d finally found the courage to start the conversation that we needed to have. We were alone and even though I knew we didn’t have long, it was better than leaving it any longer.

“Later…your mother is waiting.” Patrick opened my door and waited.

Tears of frustration hovered on my lashes, which I quickly blinked away.

Patrick pretended that he hadn’t noticed and stepped out of my room, offering me his arm.

But for not wanting to embarrass my parents, I’d have left the ass to follow behind me. Instead, I took his arm and plastered a smile to my lips.

My father gave me a questioning look once we joined the cocktail party and my mother looked unsure, which she hid seconds later.

“Evie, you look beautiful.”

My body chilled at the words coming out of Declan’s mouth as he joined us.

“Declan, nice to see you again.”

No, it wasn’t.

I plastered another fake smile to my lips and held my hand out.

He

looked at my hand, ignored it, and leaned in to kiss my cheek. It took everything in me not to wipe my cheek. My skin crawled in revulsion.

“I need to speak to my son.” Declan looked at Patrick, made his excuses and walked to the opened doors that led outside with Patrick on his heels.

“Don’t worry honey, he’ll be back.” My mother came over and patted my hand reassuringly and I wanted to scream at her. I didn’t need consoling, I needed Stryker.

I bit back the truth that was on the tip of my tongue and kissed both of my parents on the cheek. “I’m going to get a drink.” Without giving them time to waylay me, I turned on my heels and disappeared into the kitchen.

At least I could stay out of view while I was in here, but it wouldn’t be long before my mother found me. She’d watched me come in here so she’d be chasing me out soon with words like, “Please mingle, Evangeline.” I’d get my full name because she’d be pissed underneath her cool exterior.