Stoking the Fire (Salus Security #1) - Teodora Kostova Page 0,36

sure. My first flight had a huge delay, and I missed the connection, so I’m trying to book another flight right now.” There’s some rustling before he speaks again. “Are you okay, Zach?” His voice sounds louder and with an echo as if he’s in a bathroom. “I heard what happened.”

“Which part?”

“All of it.” He pauses, and I can see him in my head, his big hazel eyes wide as he chews on his lower lip. “You haven’t been online, have you?”

I cast a glance at Alec before swallowing thickly. “No.” I can hear Adri breathing, and the sound calms me more than anything could have right now. “I’m okay, considering.”

“Wanna come by my place tomorrow? I’ll text you when I get in.”

I know what he means.

I take a deep breath, distinctly aware that Alec’s watching me like a hawk. I don’t meet his eyes. “Yes, of course I’ll come over. I miss you.”

I can hear the smile in his voice when he speaks. “Miss you, too, Zach. Gotta go now, but I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.”

“And Zach,” Adri says, his tone growing more urgent. “Stay safe, okay?”

“Okay.”

“And don’t make this clusterfuck even messier before I get there.”

“I didn’t make this clusterfuck to begin with.”

“So, you didn’t write an article titled ‘White Supremacy—The Disease Eating America Alive From Within’?”

I pause, instinctively glancing at Alec. He’s clutching his soda glass so hard I’m afraid it’ll explode in a fountain of fizzy liquid and glass shards any moment.

“I did, but there were many other articles in that issue. I can’t be blamed for the whole mess.”

“You and I both know it’s your article that got the white supremacists’ panties in a twist, so quit trying to be humble. Doesn’t suit you.”

I chuckle, warmth tingling my limbs at Adri's responding laughter. “See you tomorrow, Zach.”

I end the call and stick the phone back in my pocket. A smile is still lingering on my face when I turn my attention to Alec. His body language seems more relaxed, but I’m not sure if he’s faking it. Alec’s default setting is tense.

“That was Adri,” I say when he doesn’t initiate conversation.

“I figured.”

My knee starts bouncing as I grow increasingly more agitated. I toss back the remainder of my drink and stand.

“Can we go? I’ve had enough of this.”

“We’ll do whatever you want,” Alec says, his tone impassive and cold.

“That’ll be a first.”

His nostrils flare at my response, but before he can say anything, my mother swoops in on us, wrapping her arms around my shoulders.

“Zach, darling, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” The diamonds in her ears and on her wrists sparkle as she moves, steering me away from the bar.

“I’ve literally been here for like an hour.”

She ignores my comment. “I need you to come say hello to our guests of honor. They’re getting ready backstage.”

“Guests of honor?” I say, my mind drawing a blank as I try to remember who that may be.

“Well, of course! Don’t you listen to anything I say?” She stops and turns to face me, her beautiful, immaculately made-up features drawn into a frown.

“Who is it?” I ask, swallowing a more discourteous retort.

My mother lets out a disappointed sigh, then says, “Jameson Young and Kayden Ortiz.”

“They’re here? Now?” I still don’t remember my mother ever telling me my friend—and renowned director Jamie— is coming to the gala. He’s based in Los Angeles, and we rarely see each other in person, but we’ve been friends since we were kids. His parents owned an apartment in the same building, and we used to go to the same school until Jamie left New York to attend University of Southern California. We still keep in touch, but it’s been ages since I last saw him.

“Of course they are. They’re filming here in New York, and Jamie agreed to speak tonight.”

“So why’s Kayden here?”

I can do without having to pretend to like the annoying dickhead in front of my mother tonight.

As expected, she gives me a stern look. “Because he’s the star of Jamie’s new movie, and for support, of course.” She grabs my hand and starts pulling me toward the side of the stage. “Now, remember your manners and behave.”

I cast a helpless look at Alec, who’s walking behind us, his body language alert as it always gets when he’s working.

He will be no help.

With a heavy sigh, I resign to my fate and follow my mother obediently.

Chapter eighteen

“Zach!” Jamie beams when he sees me. “Good to see you! It’s been too long!”