The Lotus Tree by Allen Jenny

Author:Allen, Jenny
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jenny Allen
Published: 2023-11-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Cohen

A persistent buzz from the bedside table made Cohen groan. After the evening’s fun-filled events, he wasn’t in the mood to speak with anyone who had this number, especially since that list only consisted of Nicci, Chance, and Lilith.

His thoughts paused on the last name until he rubbed his face in frustration. No. Stop.

The phone fell silent, and he released a sigh of relief before sitting up in bed. An arm draped over his hip, but it summoned more annoyance than warmth.

Feeding on sexual energy didn’t hold the same joy it once did. It was an irritating necessity, or perhaps it was merely the women he chose. He couldn’t tell if his recent preference for redheads was helping or making things worse.

None of them are her, the voice in his head reminded him for the thousandth time.

A frustrated growl rumbled from his throat, and he gripped the pale wrist between his thumb and forefinger, setting it on the bed. A soft moan escaped the woman’s mouth, and she cuddled into her pillow, thankfully still asleep.

Andrew’s eyes lingered on her fiery red hair spilling over the pillow. A few shades too rich to be natural.

The phone vibrated again with annoying tenacity. He snatched the infernal device, walked into the bathroom with purposeful strides, and softly closed the door before glancing at the screen.

His brow wrinkled. Cohen was uncertain if he was more disappointed or relieved. After concentrating, he pulled his impassive mask over his emotional wounds, collected his calm, and answered.

“Good evening, Nicci. What can I do for you?”

“Oh, good! You’re awake.”

“I am now.”

As usual, Nicci ignored the clipped words and barreled ahead. “Well, Lilith asked me to call…”

“Of course, she did. Too pissed at me to call herself?” He sighed heavily, unable to contain his irritation after the argument they’d had at the gala.

“What? Uh, no…Her and Chance are heading to her therapist.”

“A little late for couple’s counseling, isn’t it?”

“It’s business-related, asshole. Someone’s been recording her therapy sessions.”

A jolt shot up his spine, and his entire body stiffened. “What? What sessions?”

Nicci audibly sighed. “She’s been in mandated therapy since the medical center. You’d know that if you’d bothered to keep in touch. She’s kept her mouth shut this entire time, but earlier this week. Dr. Price threatened her job.”

“Dr. Price…From the gala?” That explained the well of anger, hatred, and betrayal he had sensed from Lilith when she spoke to the woman.

“Yeah, keep up. Anyway, Lilith finally opened up and started talking.”

Andrew swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. “What did they record?”

“Information about Phipps Bend—Ashcroft, to be specific.”

Fuck. “What exactly?”

“Nothing about the Durand, if that’s what concerns you.” The disapproving tone in the petite detective’s voice grated his already frazzled nerves.

“Detective DeLuca, I realize we don’t know each other well, but that is not my only concern. I would appreciate you not making assumptions about my character when you have nothing to base them on.”

The stunned silence further deteriorated his calm.

“I assume you’re calling me for a reason, so why don’t you skip to that?”

“Uh, yeah.

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