Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1)(92)

“Let’s go,” she told him. Jay waved good-bye to Kope and they walked away with Gregory right behind.

“Call me if you all want to hang out or anything,” I told Kope.

With a hesitant movement, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his waist for a quick hug. Kopano held me close like a man who’d been starved of affection. I blinked back tears and ran my palms over his back. He was big and strong, and had no interest in letting me go. So I let him hold me. I rested my face against his chest and breathed in a mild tropical smell. When I started imagining the caramel pheromones he was capable of emitting, I had to pull away, feeling too shy to meet his eye.

“Take care of yourself, Anna,” he said.

“You, too,” I whispered.

I spent the next day lost in thought, mulling over Kopano’s comment about a husband, and also trying to figure out why the twins would fly into Atlanta instead of a city closer to Kope. Unless they wanted to see Kaidan, assuming Pharzuph was in New York. It made me jealous that the twins were allowed to call and see Kai, but I wasn’t.

And then there was Kopano. His words had jarred me. For all I knew, he could have been speaking in hypotheticals, but I didn’t think so. I believed he was talking about us. He was everything I wanted in a guy: gorgeous, humble, no games. If I’d met him first, there was no telling what might’ve happened. And as much as I knew I should let Kaidan go, I wasn’t ready.

The next day, just as the sun was setting, I sat on the edge of Patti’s bed while she packed her suitcase.

“I wish you would change your mind and come with me,” she said.

“I already made plans with Jay and Veronica for New Year’s.”

One of the papers was sending Patti to cover the ball dropping in Times Square. She must have earned herself a good rep, because it was a big deal to get this kind of job. I could see it was hurting her to leave me behind.

“It’s all right, Patti. I’ll be fine.”

“I know. But we always celebrate together. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m gonna miss you, too.”

My cell phone beeped in my pocket. When I pulled it out, my pulse jumped at the sight of my dad’s number. He’d never texted me before.

Meeting tonight. Your ride is on his way. Be ready.

I jumped when Patti spoke behind me.

“Everything okay, hon?” She glanced at the phone in my shaking hand.

I read her the text. Sharp, dark fear pushed through her aura as she stood in front of me rubbing my shoulders. Patti’s guardian angel whispered something to her, causing her fear to lighten into a haze of nervousness.

“It’s okay. It’ll be fine. Your dad is there.” She leaned her forehead into mine and closed her eyes. I did the same, getting a comforting whiff of her oatmeal shampoo.

My hair was in a messy bun, and I was dressed like a slob. I took a superfast shower, then put on dark jeans, a black shirt Veronica had picked out, and black boots. I ran the brush through my hair with some gel, and brushed my teeth. There was no time to mess with the blow-dryer and flatiron. I managed to dab on some makeup with a shaking hand. My hair was still wet when the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” I called out, shoving the mascara back in my makeup bag and reaching for my purple zip-up hoodie.

I heard Patti’s voice as she answered the door. I darted into the living room and nearly tripped at the sight of her hugging someone. I came to a halt in the middle of the room, confused. I almost didn’t recognize him.

When he stood up straight his blue eyes bore down on me with the same intensity as always. He’d had his hair cut really short all over, revealing a small cowlick that fanned out on his left temple. And he’d obviously been hitting the gym more often, because his arms and shoulders were bigger. The sight of him made me want to sit down and take a breath. He wore a black hooded sweatshirt with skulls up the side, and baggy cargo pants. He had a gray woolly cap in his hand.

“I’m sorry, Anna, but you’re going to have to come with me.”

“What’s going on?” Patti and I asked at the same time.

“My father is having a meeting with all U.S. Dukes, and they’ve requested you to come. Specifically, your father requested you.”

“Is there going to be trouble?” Patti asked.

“I think it’s just a formality. I’m sure her father has a plan.”

We stood in a triangle of worry until I broke away and grabbed my hoodie, pulling it on and hugging Patti.

“I’ll call you as soon as I can,” I told her. She nodded, face tight with worry. I hated leaving her there alone. Kaidan pulled the warm beanie hat over his head.

I heard Patti whispering, “Please, please, please,” as I shut the door behind me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

GOODY BAGS

Why did he send you instead of asking me to drive myself?” I asked as we drove out of the neighborhood.

“He told the other Dukes you had no transportation.”

My dad must have wanted Kaidan to give me a heads-up.

“I’m still surprised he sent you,” I admitted.

“Trust me, I think he had one of the others in mind, but my father volunteered me.”

“Who else will be there?”

“My father’s having a party, so there’re a lot of people at the house. They’ve already had their official meeting. When I left, Belial and Melchom were playing cards, and my father was in the pool. I’m hoping it’ll still be like that when we get there. If you can avoid going in the same room as my father, he won’t be able to sense you. Go straight to your father, and then we can leave. The four other Neph you know are there, and the Dukes think we’re working a party tonight. Blake’s there because of his father, and the others are making a short holiday of it. The twins get away from England any chance they have. Oh, and Ginger’s been a ray of sunshine today.” He rolled his eyes, peeved.