Page 93 of Ruthless

Watching her go had been one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Yes, she’d hurt him with her words, but he knew Eve. She lashed out when she was hurt. Everything he’d done had been in an effort to protect her, but that didn’t mean his actions hadn’t hurt her. Eve had fought fiercely for her independence. Having that taken away from her, no matter the reasons, had been harmful. Even as he knew that and took full responsibility, he still didn’t regret doing it.

Letting her go alone was the right thing to do. She was a skilled interrogator and would likely be able to get the truth from her uncle better than anyone. He’d clean up here and then head back to Ile de la Lune. He pushed aside the small voice that told him he was acting like an abandoned puppy who couldn’t get it through his head that he was no longer wanted. He loved this woman more than life, and if his pride had to suffer to make her see that they were meant to be together, then so be it.

Since they wouldn’t be back to this cottage, he took the time to do a quick cleanup. Ash would send someone later to do a more thorough job, but since keeping busy occupied his thoughts, he didn’t mind the work.

When he finished, he threw his clothes in his go bag for the trip back. Noticing his cellphone needed a charge, he grabbed the cord from his bag. An odd thought hit him. Why had Eve’s father called her cell and not the satphone? They had been communicating via the satphone the whole time they were here. So why the change? Had it been because he thought normal communication was safe now that the culprit had been caught? Or was there a more terrifying reason?

His gut churning, he grabbed the satphone and punched in the king’s number. Her father answered immediately with, “Gideon, do you have news?”

His heartbeat double-timing, he said warily, “News about what?”

“News about who’s doing this, of course.”

“Sir, where is your brother?”

“Jacques? He’s right here with me. Why?”

Closing his eyes, Gideon cursed himself brutally. His hurt pride had gotten in the way of clear thinking.

A beep sounded, and an incoming call appeared on the phone’s display. Gideon snapped, “Hold on.”

He had likely just committed some kind of irreparable faux pas by putting the king on hold, but he didn’t give a damn.

“Serena?”

Her voice as stressed as she’d ever heard it, she said breathlessly, “It’s not the uncle. It’s her brother, Alexandre.”

“What?” he barked.

“Alexandre and Dirk Bennett were frat brothers in college. I don’t know who else might be involved, but I’m certain Alexandre is the traitor.”

“Can you hold on a minute, Serena?”

“Yes.”

He clicked the key back to engage the king. “Where is Alexandre?”

“I haven’t seen him in a few hours. I’m not sure. Why?”

“Because he is the traitor, Your Majesty.”

“No. That’s not possible. He would never—”

“Listen, I don’t have time to explain. I believe both you and Jacques are in imminent danger. Get your most-trusted guards together, and don’t let anyone else inside your chamber.”

“Gideon,” the king said quietly, “where is my daughter?”

Hating himself with every breath, Gideon said the words he’d never wanted to say. “She’s been taken. And I believe Dirk Bennett is also involved.”

“No, not again.”

“I will get her back, sir. I promise.”

“Please, Gideon. She is my heart.”

As she was his.

“I promise, sir. I’ll be in touch.”