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I have no idea what he knows about me or how dangerous he might be. He seemed to be friends with Elio, but I’ve seen my dad act friendly to strangers at parties only to later find out how much he detests them. The world we live in is one of illusions and deception. I know better than to ever let my guard down.

I decide it’s best to be careful around a man like this. He’s too calculating for transparency. I don’t want him using me in some way to hurt Elio, and that’s exactly what that question seems to elicit. Leverage.

My chin lifts almost imperceptibly, yet I’m certain he sees it. “I’m his guest. The same as you, it seems.”

“Let’s hope that’s the case.” He steps aside and motions for me to pass.

My steps are stilted as I try to understand why I feel as though I’ve just been threatened. I had been worried his questioning was predatory, but now, I wonder if it wasn’t protective instead.

Is he worried I might hurt Elio?

I’m not sure how or why, but that definitely seems to be the case, which makes me infinitely more curious about him.

I lead us up the curving staircase to the main lounge where the others have gathered. The second I’m within sight, Elio’s eyes lock with mine, then shift to Kairos behind me. His body stills when he sees the hand his associate has hovering at my lower back.

Is he worried Kairos is dangerous? Did I misread the man?

To be safe, I casually cross to Evie and dive into conversation with her. Elio seemingly ignores me until it’s time to take our seats at the table, when he makes certain that I sit next to him. Michael, Evie, and Kairos are largely responsible for the flow of easy conversation, while Elio and Drake only contribute on occasion. The rest of the crew aren’t dining with us.

Before I know it, dinner arrives, and I inwardly groan. Lobster. I’m not a fan of shellfish. I should have known it would be a staple out here on the ocean. With everything else going on, my food preferences have been the last thing on my mind.

Oh well. It’s not the first time I’ve been in this situation. I can eat the rice and asparagus sides for now and try to rummage for something more in the kitchen after dinner. I have it all decided when my plate is set before me, and I’m stunned to find a large, juicy steak.

I take a quick look at the others and realize I’m the only one who’s been served steak. When I look over at Elio, his fathomless stare swallows me whole.

How did he know I didn’t like shellfish? He had to have remembered from our childhood, but I can’t even recall a time when the subject was discussed. Why would that have stuck with him after all these years?

Totally bemused, all I can do is offer a shaky smile and return to my dinner.

I learn through the course of the evening that Kairos and Elio seem to operate as equals, running their enterprise together. The two are friendly, though I sense a mounting tension as the night goes on that I don’t understand. When dinner is over, Elio excuses the two of us for the night. Everyone watches with curious looks as he guides me out of the room where the evening seemed just getting started.

I’m as clueless as they are, but I have a feeling I’m about to find out exactly what’s on his mind.

CHAPTER 25

ELIO

I had to get Isa out of there. I tolerated the evening as long as I could after seeing her with Kairos in that yellow dress, but the effort took its toll on my mood.

She was supposed to wear that dress for me. I’d hoped its meaningfulness might soften her regard for me, considering what we shared the last time we were together and she wore a yellow dress, but it didn’t seem to register at all. She didn’t so much as blush when she looked at me.

Not only did she dismiss the dress, but she also arrived at dinner with his possessive hand at her back. Logic tells me he was simply being polite. The rest of me is frothing at the mouth with outrage. I’m slamming drawers and silently fuming while getting ready for bed. It’s not exactly a winning strategy to charm her, but I can’t help myself. I’m so fucking frustrated.

“I don’t know how you remembered about shellfish, but I’m grateful. The steak was delicious,” Isa offers softly once we’re getting into bed.

She’s being kind, and I should appreciate that, but it only irritates me more. She doesn’t know how I remember? Why the fuck wouldn’t I remember? She and I shared everything under the sun.

“I suppose when something’s important, I find a way to remember.”

Yes, it’s a petulant jab, and I’m a dick. Nobody’s perfect.

“El, is something wrong?”

I finally stop and sigh as I think about what I want to say, deciding compassion and grace would work best in this situation. “Just stay the fuck away from Kairos, okay?”

Bravo, dickhead. That’ll win her over.

Isa’s brows furrow like she wants to say something but is holding back. Now, I’m genuinely regretting my behavior because I never want her to feel uncomfortable talking to me, especially because I’m throwing a tantrum.