Page 26 of Break My Rules
“But Saint said—” I start, and Sebastian holds up a hand, for me to let him continue.
“I got it removed. No offense,” he adds to Saint, with a wry grin. “But it’s not exactly my style.”
“None taken,” Saint agrees.
“When?” I demand, trying to stay on track. “When did you have it removed?”
“Tell us why you want to know,” Avery speaks up again. She fixes me with a glare. “Because I don’t like liars, and you’ve been lying since the moment we sat down.”
I hold her stare. “Because my sister was kidnapped, and tortured, and God knows what else by a man who had that tattoo,” I reply, just as fierce. “And I’m trying to figure out who it was, from the group.”
There’s silence.
Sebastian and Avery look shocked, and Saint clears his throat, awkward. “Moresake, anyone?” he asks, like he’s trying to make a joke.
They ignore him.
“You think it was Sebastian?” Avery asks, sitting forwards.
“I think he’s on the list of suspects, and I have to rule him out,” I reply, direct. I’m expecting anger at the suggestion, or even for them to get up and walk out, but instead, Avery just gives a cool nod.
“When? When was your sister attacked?”
“Uh, last year, in the fall.” I tell them the weekend it happened, and Avery looks to Saint.
“That was before we met,” she says, and he pulls out his phone to check his calendar.
“I was in New York, on business,” he reports, glancing up.
“Can you prove it?” I shoot back.
“Tessa…” Saint gives me a furious look, but I don’t care if I’m being impolite. I have to be certain, one way or another.
“Seb?” Avery prompts him, seemingly in my corner. Or maybe she’s just in a hurry to get this over with, but either way, I’ll take it.
“Hold on…” Seb scrolls on his phone, then shows me the screen. It’s a photograph of him on a red carpet, looking dapper. The caption reads,‘New York society turns out for a gala performance at New York City Ballet.’There’s more description, of the guestlists, and the date. “I’m sure I can pull other photos and evidence from the night, if you need. My flight records, and testimony from the staff there, too.”
I sit back, exhaling. The dates match. It wasn’t him.
“Satisfied?” Avery asks coolly.
“Yes.” I nod, feeling a wave of relief. Saint clearly cares about this man, and their friendship. I’m glad he was right about Sebastian in the end. “Thank you,” I add, glad he’s no longer a suspect. But when I look to Saint, it’s clear, he’s not pleased.
He looks furious, his jaw set with barely-contained tension. “I think it’s time we were leaving.” He rises, tossing down his napkin. “Tessa.”
It’s not a question, but an order.
Shit.
“It was nice meeting you both,” I blurt, getting to my feet. I flash an awkward smile at Sebastian and Avery. “I mean, aside from the whole interrogation part. Maybe we’ll see you again soon!”
Saint takes my hand, and practically drags me away. I have to hurry to keep up with him, but he doesn’t say a word, not until we emerge onto the dark sidewalk outside the restaurant.
“Christ, Tessa!” Saint whirls on me, exploding in anger. “What the fuck were you playing at?”
“I was getting answers,” I reply, yanking free. “The way I said I would.”
“These are my friends!” Saint yells, his voice ringing out in frustration. “And fuck knows, Seb’s had enough false accusations thrown in his direction. Would it have killed you to use a little tact and subtlety?” he demands, dragging a hand through his hair.