Fangs and Fennel (The Venom Trilogy #2)(70)

His eyes softened as he echoed my words back to me. “I trust you too.”

There was something so sweetly intense about the moment that I wanted to hold it to me, cradle it as long as I could, so I could recall it again and again. He tugged me to him. “Stay with me. You’ll sleep better if you feel safe.”

And that was how I ended up in bed with Remo, his arms around me, and my nose buried in the crook of his neck. Roger had always complained about sleeping face to face, but Remo didn’t say a word. I breathed in that subtle spice-and-honey smell that was only his. “You smell like cinnamon.”

He grunted softly. “Go to sleep.”

I curled tighter around him, as if I could wrap him tight to me.

“Alena?”

“Umm?”

“Ease off, you’re squeezing the shit out of me.”

Startled, I eased off and pulled away. He tugged me back. “Don’t leave. Just don’t try to boa constrictor me.”

I laid my head back down next to his and closed my eyes. Whatever would come, would come. There was nothing I could do about it for the next few hours, and in a strange way, that gave me some peace.

Sleep claimed me in a matter of seconds, despite the fascination I had with my hand resting on Remo’s abs. Sensation faded, and I fell into the dark abyss of dreaming. The best sleep I’d had since the last time he’d held me close, while I’d healed after facing Achilles on the battlefield.

Hours later, I woke up and rolled to look for a clock. Nothing in the room gave off any light; we were in complete darkness. There wasn’t a single hint as to what time it was.

I stretched, my hands reaching over my head as I wriggled my toes. “What time is it?”

“Sun just set.” Remo yawned, stretching beside me. “So about five.”

Horror flashed through me. “Oh no, no, that can’t be!” I leapt from the bed and ran out of the room. “The hearing was set for four!”

I couldn’t have missed it. Remo had to be wrong. I raced up the stairs and slid to a stop in the kitchen, staring at the clock on the stove. 5:01. It would take me at least two hours to get to the courthouse. By then it would be closed. I slid to my knees, clinging to the counter with my fingertips.

Eyes closed, I fought to breathe through the loss. Everything, everything, was gone, and I’d not even put up a fight. Roger had won without a whimper from me.

I gripped the edge of the counter and yanked up as I stood, pulling the granite off. I flipped it to one side, sending it crashing through the wall as I shook with anger. “I’m an idiot.”

I knew without looking that Remo was behind me. “No, you’re not.” No platitudes like “Don’t worry, things happen for a reason” or “You can start again” came out of his mouth, for which I was grateful.

“What do I do now? What would you do?” I turned, and Remo stepped up and pulled me into his arms.

“If you’re asking how I would handle it, I’d kill Roger and steal back everything that rightfully belonged to me.” He smiled as though giving me his favorite recipe.

I leaned my head against his chest. “That did cross my mind.”

Laughing, he held me away from him so he could look me in the eye. “That is not you.”

“No, but I can fantasize.” I grimaced. “Maybe I can talk to the judge? If I get a lawyer and appeal the decision.” But even I knew how fruitless the words were.

Minutes ticked by and I stood there, not knowing what to do. “I’m going to talk to Roger.” The thought hit me that he’d be going home, no doubt for a victory party. “Maybe I can convince him . . .” Who was I kidding?

Behind us the phone rang, and I glanced at it. “Probably for you.”

Remo nodded and moved to answer it, pressing the receiver to his ear. “What is it?” No “Hello,” no “This is Remo.” What is it? I made a move to leave him to whatever conversation he needed to have.

He held the phone out for me, his eyes worried. “It’s for you.”

I walked over and pressed the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

“Alena, this is Judge Watts’s court assistant. He’s asked me to call you on his behalf.”

I frowned. “Yes? Do you need me to sign something?” Probably that was all it was, some silly signature needed so Roger could take everything.

“No, we don’t. Not yet. Judge Watts has asked that you please come to the courthouse right away. We were delayed and will be starting your hearing as soon as you arrive. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

“Really?” I gasped. “Thank you, thank you! I’ll be there as quick as I can.”

The other end of the line clicked off and I hung up, excitement coursing through me. “Did you hear that?” This was a miracle, the chance I needed to make things right. I ran upstairs before Remo could answer and gathered up the duplicates of my paperwork. I had a chance. A chance to make things right.

I double-checked my papers, making sure I had everything, including the original bakery deed. I fanned the papers out on the bed, staring at them, doing a quick tally. Yes, I had them all. Hope flared in my chest. This was my last chance, and I knew it. I would not blow it again. I was going to fight for all I was worth to get my bakery and life back. To get my home back.