The One Who Got Away (Wilde Ways #12) - Cynthia Eden Page 0,53

Antony’s way.

His jaw was locked. His eyes didn’t sparkle like Jacob’s. They glittered. With rage? Why was Antony suddenly so pissed?

She kept her hold on Jacob’s hand and pulled him over the threshold. Antony noted the movement, and she saw a muscle jerk in his jaw.

Jacob shut the door. Flipped the locks.

Antony made no move to lead them out of the foyer. They just stood on the gleaming marble floor while the massive chandelier shone down above them. Silence stretched a little too long as Antony and Jacob seemed to assess one another.

Finally, Jacob said, “I believe Dex told you to expect me.”

“What?” Her hand jerked free of his. Flew to cover her heart. The better to stop it from jumping out of her chest. No way. No way. Not Jacob. Not Jacob! “Did you say…Dex?”

Jacob winced. “So, don’t be mad…”

“Mad?” Mad did not cover her emotions.

“He figured you’d be angry, but Dex said my relationship with you would help give me cover. It would explain why I was suddenly in the tech guy’s life.” He motioned toward Antony. “Just so you know, it wasn’t like I didn’t want to tell you what I was doing, but I didn’t have a choice in the matter.”

She could feel her cheeks burning. “This isn’t possible.”

“Ella…” Antony’s voice still held a menacing edge. “Why haven’t you told me who this man is to you?”

“You mean you don’t know? I thought you knew all my secrets.”

“Obviously, I don’t know this one.”

She had to suck in several deep breaths. “Jacob, I am so pissed at you.” She was trying to get a handle on this situation, but it just seemed too crazy for words. “Seriously, you’re working for Dex? Dex? I mean, is every man in my life secretly working for—”

Antony curled his arm around her shoulders and pulled her up against him. His head dipped toward her ear. “Let’s not share my secrets with strangers,” he breathed into her ear.

“But he’s not a stranger.” Antony should know that. If he’d looked into her life, he would know who Jacob was to her. So why was he acting so surprised by the man’s appearance? “He’s my cousin.”

Jacob rolled one shoulder in a shrug. “I get the confusion. There’s not a big family resemblance, I’ll give you that. I think it’s her hair. Totally makes it hard for you to see the similarities.” He didn’t smile. Just stared at Antony.

“Your cousin works for Dex?” Antony still had his arm around her shoulders. She could feel the tension in him.

Or maybe that was her own tension. She felt plenty enough of that. “It’s news to me, too.” She craned her head to look up at Antony. “But how is this a surprise to you?”

His lips thinned. “Because, despite what you think, I obviously do not know everything.”

Hmm. Welcome to my world.

“Dex does like to keep one or two surprises up his sleeve.” Jacob didn’t appear particularly concerned. “But, considering what’s happening, I think this works out for the best. I’m here to provide extra cover for you, Antony, in case your current danger is related to our mutual employer and you—”

“I can’t believe you’re a spy!” Ella glared at him. She was stuck on that point. “Is everyone in my life a spy at this point?”

“I barely work for Dex. Technically, I’m retired,” Jacob clarified with a roll of one big shoulder. “I’m just doing this job for you. When I found out that you were involved, I had to come.”

When they’d been kids, Jacob had been more like a brother to her than a cousin. Wherever he’d gone, she’d eagerly tagged right along with him. But he’d been several years older than she was, and when she’d been a teen, he’d left to join the military. He’d barely come back home after that. They’d grown more and more distant, and she’d only seen him at holidays and then—

“Your mom is going to be so furious,” she warned him.

“That’s why she doesn’t ever need to find out.” He frowned at Antony. “You did go over the whole need-to-know part with her, yes?”

“Jacob…” Her voice hardened. “I am not in the mood for your games right now.”

His gaze came back to her. Lingered. Turned cold. “What’s on your face?”

Her hand immediately rose to her cheek.

“What the hell, Ella?” Jacob closed the small distance between them.

“It’s nothing. A scratch. I got it when I was pushed down the stairs yesterday.”

His whole face tightened. “Who the hell pushed you down