Chapter 3 3

The kitchen was quiet, save for the hum of the oversized refrigerator. Elodie sat at the island, wrapping her hands around a mug of herbal tea Inez had forced on her.

Inez leaned against the counter, her arms crossed over her chest. She had taken off the sunglasses, revealing eyes that were too sharp, too knowing.

You did not just run from a wedding, Inez said. You ran to something.

Elodie took a sip of the tea. It tasted like sage and dirt.

I do not know what you mean.

Inez reached behind her and slapped a tabloid magazine onto the counter. The headline screamed about the delay in the Jimenez-Clay merger.

Your father called me, Inez said.

Elodie's heart hammered against her ribs. She stood up, the chair scraping loudly against the tile.

I have to go.

Sit down, Inez ordered. Her voice was not loud, but it carried the weight of authority. I did not answer him.

Elodie sank back into the chair. Her hands were shaking again.

Why? Elodie asked.

Because I hate him, Inez said simply. And because I need a favor.

Elodie stared at her aunt. A favor?

Sofia is out of control, Inez said, gesturing toward the living room where Sofia was shouting into her phone. She is mixing with the wrong crowd. Dangerous people. I cannot watch her twenty-four seven.

Inez leaned forward.

You keep Sofia out of jail. You keep her away from the sharks. And I will help you lie to Hazen.

Elodie weighed the options. If she left, Hazen would find her in hours. If she stayed, she had a base of operations to find Joshuah.

What is the lie? Elodie asked.

Hawaii, Inez said. A pre-wedding detox trip. No phones. Total isolation. It buys you a week. Maybe two.

Elodie nodded slowly. It could work.

And Alden? Inez asked softly.

Elodie looked at the dark liquid in her mug. He is not part of this.

Honey, Inez sighed. You look at that man like he is water in a drought. But fine. Have it your way.

Deal, Elodie said.

Suddenly, the kitchen door banged open. Sofia burst in, a whirlwind of energy.

We are going to OMNIA, Sofia announced. Now.

Elodie looked down at her jeans. I am not dressed for a club.

Sofia grabbed her hand, pulling her off the stool.

My closet. Let's go.

The next hour was a blur of fabric and hairspray. Sofia treated Elodie like a Barbie doll. She stripped her out of the safe, boring clothes and forced her into a dress that was terrifying.

It was black, covered in sequins that caught the light like oil on water. It had a plunging neckline and a slit that went up to her thigh.

Elodie looked in the mirror. She didn't recognize herself. The girl in the mirror looked dangerous. She looked like she belonged in Vegas.

She felt a strange sense of armor settling over her. If she looked like this, maybe she wouldn't feel like the scared girl on the balcony.

Sofia clapped her hands. Perfect. Now you look like a Jimenez.

They headed out to the garage. Elodie paused to send one last text on the burner phone, this time to Kade's personal number, hoping it would buy the alibi.

I am in Hawaii. Need space. Do not call.

She turned the phone off and tossed it into her clutch.

Sofia revved the engine of the neon sports car. The sound echoed in the garage like a gunshot.

Welcome to the jungle, cousin, Sofia yelled over the engine.