“A mess that was yours in the making.”
“And one I regret. I cannot change the past, however. I can only change the future.”
“Not my future.”
“Part of our deal was you undergoing another audit, remember. Depending on what the results are, it will probably change your status here in Canberra.”
“I don’t give a fuck about my status, and neither should you.”
“Like it or not, Elizabeth, you are a Marlowe. That comes with certain responsibilities—”
“Actually, my legal name is Grace. I left the Marlowe name and all the shit it entails behind long ago. Once the annulment is signed, I want nothing more to do with you or that damn name.”
There was a long pause. “I understand.”
A smile twisted my lips. I knew that tone. Knew it meant that while he did indeed understand, he had no intention of letting the point—or me—go.
“Where and when do we meet?” I said. “I refuse to fly to Canberra, but I’m willing to meet you halfway.”
“Not alone, you won’t be,” Aiden murmured.
I flashed him a quick, tense smile as my father said, “There is a café in Albury called Whitefin. We shall meet there tomorrow at two, if that’s convenient.”
“A café is hardly the ideal spot to sign legal documents. Besides, I have a business to run.”
“I’m sure you could close—”
“I’m sure I can’t.”
“I see.” His annoyance echoed, and it was an incredibly satisfying sensation. “What do you suggest, then?”
“I’m sure you know a magistrate or two in the Albury–Wodonga area. Get one of them to hold a late evening session in his court or office or whatever.”
“Fine.” His tone suggested it was anything but. “Would six tomorrow evening be suitable?”
“Perfectly.” I paused. “What guarantee do I have that Clayton won’t retaliate against us the minute Belle removes her spell?”
“He won’t. That I promise.”
My father might be the ultimate politician, but when he gave his word, he kept it. The vague sense of foreboding I’d gotten when I’d been talking to Mom stirred again. I might well want to be rid of my father, but I didn’t actually want him dead.
“Just be wary of him. He’s not in a good frame of mind, and he might well take his anger out on you—”
“Hardly.” His tone was contemptuous. “Aside from the fact he hasn’t the power, he’s well aware such an attack would harm his social standing.”
“From what I’ve heard, he has little enough of that left to worry about.”
“Then you are misinformed. He still has plenty of allies here in Canberra.”
Would those allies protect him no matter what? Would they shield him from the full force of the law if he did succeed in harming either Belle or me? Or would it all be brushed under the proverbial rug and quickly forgotten about? I’d pretty much bet on the latter, especially if the Black Lantern Society decided not to get involved.
But I didn’t press the point. He obviously wouldn’t listen, no matter what I said.
“Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
With that, I hung up.
And wasn’t entirely sure what I felt. I’d been dreaming of an annulment and escaping Clayton for so long; now it was almost within my grasp, some small part of me refused to believe it was actually happening. Of course, a major part of that was the conviction that Clayton wasn’t about to let Belle or me escape without us paying the price.
But if we survived that—survived him—then we could finally live our lives as we wanted rather than constantly looking over our shoulders, always on the run, always fearful of being discovered.
And maybe that’s the reason for your nervousness, came Belle’s somewhat amused comment. Caution has become so ingrained that it’s hard to let go.
Possibly. Definitely.
It’ll be fine in the end. I really believe that.
She says with fingers crossed.
And toes, and all things in between. Her amusement faded. I’ll contact Monty and Ashworth and see if they’re free tomorrow. I don’t think it’ll hurt to have backup.
I very much doubt we’d escape without either of them. I glanced up as a coffee cup appeared in front of my nose and gave Aiden a quick smile of thanks. I’ll see you later tonight.
You’re not staying at Aiden’s?
Not tonight—he has some meeting up at the compound.
Then bring home something to eat. I don’t feel like cooking.
Will do.
Aiden’s shoulder brushed mine as he sat back down. “I know a couple of court officers at Wodonga—I’ll ask them to keep an eye on things over the next twenty-four hours.”
“My father won’t try anything—it’s one of the reasons I suggested we meet in a court.”
“It’s not your father I’m worried about.”
“I know.” I put my coffee on the table, grabbed his and put it beside mine, then sat astride him. “But I don’t want to talk or think about my father, my soon-to-be ex, or even tomorrow night right now.”
The lazy swirl of his desire sharpened abruptly, its heady scent filling my nostrils and making my pulse leap. He slid his hand around the back of my neck and pulled me closer.
“More than happy to help you lose an hour or two,” he murmured, his breath so warm against my lips.
“If it’s only an hour or two, Ranger, I will be severely disappointed.”
He chuckled softly, then claimed my lips and helped me forget.
* * *
Dusk had settled in by the time we reached the outskirts of Wodonga the next evening. Aiden followed the GPS directions through the myriad of streets and eventually halted in front of an uninspiring, two-story red-brick building.
“Lights are on,” Monty commented. “Someone’s obviously home.”
“I really wish I was,” Belle muttered.
“You’ve more integrity and mental strength in your little finger than either of those two bastards have in their entire beings,” Monty said. “You can do this. You can also hold my hand if you want.”
She snorted and didn’t reply.
“There’re several cars with government plates parked across the road,” Ashworth noted. “They’re obviously here.”
“Activate the pendant,” Monty said, “so we can check it’s
