Deception (Infidelity #3)(50)

I knew how Nox and I felt about learning one another’s private information, but the way I saw it, he was the one to leave me alone with Silvia. The first time I’d met her, she offered to tell me stories of a teenage Lennox. He had to know what would happen.

In our time together, Nox and I had limited what we had shared about our past. All I knew about his family was that his mother passed after she and Oren divorced, how Oren had started Demetri Enterprises, and how Nox didn’t believe his father appreciated his dedication to the business.

Silvia commented more than once that Oren and Lennox were more similar than either cared to admit. They were both determined, hardworking, and stubborn. From what I knew, I couldn’t help but agree—especially with her last assessment.

In every instance, Silvia spoke fondly of Angelina. Apparently, Silvia had worked for Lennox’s mother until the day she died. She even admitted that she’d almost moved away after Angelina passed. She no longer needed the Demetris financially. Angelina had ensured her economic independence. Silvia admitted that she probably would have left were it not for Lennox.

After the support Angelina had given to her, Silvia wanted to fill that role for Lennox. Despite their relative closeness in age, she wanted to be there for him.

I wanted to ask about Oren and why he was absent, but I didn’t want to interrupt her memories.

She shared as we sat, cooked, and ate. Intertwined throughout each story were innuendos that there was more than she could say. Though I didn’t fully understand exactly what she meant, I’d already learned that it would take more than a couple months with Lennox Demetri to make sense of his world.

I supposed it would be the same for him, if he were at Montague Manor. Perhaps that was one of the elements that drew us together, a shared sadness for childhoods lost.

By the time I retired for the evening, I sensed that Silvia and I were now friends. Since Nox’s happiness was one of her priorities, I knew that she was someone I wanted on my side. The only unsettling feeling I had while at Westchester, besides the obvious external threat, was when Silvia and Deloris were together. Maybe it was simply because my day had been too long and too dramatic. Maybe I was seeing clues that weren’t there. But I got the feeling they weren’t close.

Now as I settled in my room with a warm cup of Earl Gray tea, I longed for the reassurance I’d felt sitting with Silvia. Instead, as the wind blew and the rain coming off the sound pounded against the windows, I was tired and uneasy. My mind was a blur with all that had happened, and I wanted nothing more than to rest in Nox’s arms and feel his strength around me as he protected me from the ghosts and shadows.

Though I wanted to call him, I hesitated. Nox was working, away doing whatever it was he did. Oren had all but said I was a distraction. Calling Nox would only confirm his father’s opinion. I hated comparing Nox to Alton, but I truly had no other reference. I rarely remembered my mother talking, or wanting to talk to Alton when he was away.

So instead of calling Nox, I tried Chelsea.

Her phone rang three times before going to voicemail.

“Hey girl,” I said, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt. “Let me know when you’re coming in to New York City. I know you have that big secret job in DC.” And then the thought occurred to me. “Oh my goodness, Nox is in DC for business. Maybe I’ll be able to visit you there when my classes allow. In the meantime, I’m ready for some girl time. Things have been… well, this message isn’t long enough to finish that sentence. We need wine. Tell me you’re getting to New York before Friday. I miss you! Call me.”

I disconnected the call even more uneasy with not being able to reach her. Since leaving Montague over four years ago, after my graduation from the academy, I’d always been with Chelsea and then with Nox. I told myself that it was normal to feel alone. I just needed to face it. After all, I was the one who had planned to live alone in that apartment. Well, I had considered a cat.

As I was about to pull back the covers, it occurred to me that this was the same bed where earlier Nox and I had come back together—literally.

My face flushed as I recalled his passion and hunger. The way he looked at me, needing to assure himself with his eyes and touch that I was whole and unscathed.

My mind couldn’t process that someone as possessive and protective as Nox could or would ever hurt his wife.

He wouldn’t.

I just wanted to know why he felt responsible. Had something like today happened? Patrick had mentioned a hit.

Then a realization struck that changed my train of thought. The bed was made.

No longer merely flushed, heat filled my cheeks, no doubt turning them redder than my hair. I hadn’t made the bed. I was certain Nox didn’t.

That meant the entire time I was getting to know Silvia, she already knew me or about Nox and me, about how close we were.

As that embarrassing thought resonated through my consciousness, my phone rang.

My sullen heart leapt, hoping it was Chelsea.

“Hello,” I answered, not looking at the screen, but knowing that the tune meant it was a friend versus a foe.

“What the hell, little cousin?”

I grinned, hearing Patrick’s voice.

“Yes, sorry for the cryptic message earlier today.”

After Deloris and I talked about what I could say, I simply left Pat a message saying I wouldn’t be staying there tonight. I didn’t mention anything other than that Nox and I were fine. Leaving details of my day on his voicemail didn’t seem like a good idea.