~LAYLA~
"Tell me you're close."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by the sound of typing.
"I'm sorry, baby," Axel sounded frustrated. "I'm still stuck with Tye on lookout."
I closed my eyes, letting my forehead rest against the cold glass of the window. Below me, the driveway was filling up with luxury cars: Bentleys, Aston Martins, vintage Rolls-Royces. The sharks were gathering.
"You're not coming," I said quietly. It wasn't a question.
"I'm sorry," Axel said.
I swallowed the lump of disappointment in my throat. I wanted him here, not just as my husband, but also as my personal bodyguard and anchor. This house was designed to make me feel small, and Axel was the only thing that made me feel big.
"It's okay," I lied, straightening my spine. "I can handle a cocktail party."
