The seconds stretched into eternity as Rolland leaned in, touching Elena’s arm, his movements agonizinglyslow. Bryson’s eyes darted around, desperately searching for Eric.
Rolland whispered something into Elena’s ear, and she smiled and nodded.
“Really? And why is that?”
Her voice was higher, sweeter.
“You’ll have to trust me on this one, hon,” Rolland said, sticking a toothpick into his mouth.
CHAPTER 61
NORTH CAROLINA
“Iwanted to thank you, Adria. For the opportunity,” Frances said.
Adria offered a tight nod. She had selected Frances to facilitate the auction bidding and distribution for two reasons: one, Loretta’s business always handled her sales. Two, the company was neutral. Unbiased. Clean.
But this was the third time Frances had approached her, eyes wide and full of too much energy, gushing gratitude like it was something Adria had time for.
Adria’s gaze drifted—inevitably—to Bryson.
He moved with an ease that made her teeth grind. Graceful. Fluid. Almost comfortable under Kate’s hands.
Adria forced her expression into something polite, saying, “Frances, I have the utmost confidence in your ability.”
“So, you’re not having second thoughts, then?” Frances asked, her tone light, but her words digging deeper than she probably realized.
Adria’s chest tightened.
Why did it bother her so much that Bryson was handling Kate like he was born to it?
She looked again. The redhead’s hand slid over his shoulder, and Bryson didn’t flinch.
Didn’t even glance her way.
“Adria?”
The sound of her name snapped her back. Frances stood frozen, a deer in headlights, clearly unsure if she’d overstepped.
Adria blinked. “What?”
Frances shifted nervously. “I just—wanted to be sure you’re still comfortable with everything.”
Adria exhaled slowly, tightening her control. “Everything is staying as planned. You give me the numbers, and I’ll tell you who to contact as the winner. Understood?”
Relief washed over Frances’s face. She nodded, practically bouncing in her heels. Too young. Too eager. Maybe, Adria should’ve gone with someone more seasoned, but it was too late to change now.
“Okay, I just wanted to be sure. Thank you so much,” Frances repeated.
Adria cut her off before she could go into another round of appreciation. “You have the unmarked car, with the security I set up, ready for pickup tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.?”
Frances nodded vigorously. “Yes. Yes, everything is set up exactly as you asked.”
Adria gave a curt nod, dismissing her.
She watched the girl bounce away like this was a game.
As if lives weren’t hanging in the balance.
