“Do you think it’s related to the cabin case?” I rush out, diverting focus away from Stevie. “Like, will the FBI take over this one, too?”
“We did at first, but forensics found no bodies or human remains.” He’s perplexed by this revelation. “And yeah, they’ll be taking it over.”
No remains?
We burned Andrew, and from what River and Sebastian said, the police would mostly likely to find something. I wonder if Hayden and the guys went back and removed everything?
Silence.
Picking up an increase in tension from Stevie’s energy, I can tell she has the same questions as I do. We exchanged another brief look. I’ll talk to River about it when we leave later.
“Lux has a new boyfriend,” Stevie blurts out with a smile, fulfilling her need to change the subject.
Not expecting those words to hit the air, I turn to my sister, eyes bulging and with my mouth agape. “Not the time or place.”
Stevie innocently shrugs her shoulders at her own impulsivity. “What?”
“Luxy?” my dad calls me by the nickname he’s used since I was a kid. “You do? That’s wonderful.”
A little annoyed, but also wanting to gush about River, I blew out an exasperated breath. “Yeah, uh, I am seeing someone.”
Stevie leans in, resting her head on my dad’s shoulder. “And he’s a billionaire.”
“Unbelievable.” I shake my head, bothered by her remarks.
My dad’s eyes widened. “He’s abillionaire?”
Scratching the back of my head, I tap my heel on the floors. “Yeah. He is.”
“He owns Thompson Innovations.” Stevie’s on a roll and she will not stop.
“Thank you, my lovely little sister, for revealing this piece of important information.”
She lifts her head to even our gaze, with an imperious smirk. “You’re welcome.”
“Wow.” My dad’s face beams. “That’s great. I’d love to meet him, do a background check and—”
I extend my arm, palming my dad’s chest. “Okay, enough. Let’s talk more about this later.”
Chapter 43
Lux
After the funeral, Stevie, my dad, and I went out to dinner, and like a shadow, River mirrored my every move.
As expected, my dad asked many questions about River, his company, and when he could meet him. It was heartwarming.
He took my unwillingness as a hint that he was prying too much, which I let him believe so he’d backed off a bit. I know he’s excited, but I don’t know what River and I look like outside of hunting Andrew and his men.
I’m also conflicted about how I’m supposed to move on with my old life. River and I haven’t expressed love for each other, but I’m certain in my deep feelings for him.
Now, I find myself sitting in the bathtub of my townhouse—which is small compared to the one I’ve become accustomed to at River’s—with a bottle of red wine in my hands.
I came back here after dinner, to the place I once called my home—my sanctuary.I’m not completely sure why I didn’t head back to the manor, but something inside was craving to be in my space again.
Andrew and the other guys are now eliminated, so I’m free to come and go as I wish.Right?
Then why does my own home not feel like home anymore?
