When Day Breaks

“Whatever makes you happy,” Swa

The young man went white as a sheet and then turned and fled down the busy street.

Edge laughed and clapped Swa

CHAPTER 24

EDEN kept glancing in Swa

This time Skylar was on Eden’s other side so Eden was seated in the middle of the backseat between her and Swa

“Say what’s on your mind, honey,” Swa

Then he wondered if he should have encouraged that since he had no idea what it was she wanted to ask and Skylar was right there, although Swa

Eden hesitated and then turned slightly in her seat so he could see the silent plea in her eyes.

“Can we go out to eat tonight? I’d love to do one of those di

Swa

As if knowing he pla

He almost said Uh-oh out loud but wisely kept silent. Barely . . . Because a protest was already burning his lips.

“All of you wouldn’t need to go. Just some of you,” she persisted. “Edge and Skylar could go with us. To anyone looking we would just appear like two couples out for a romantic di

Goddamn it, but he wished her damn father had just been straight with her. Told her the truth from the start. He understood him not wanting his daughter to be ruled by fear, but fear kept people alive. It made them cautious and less trusting. Two things that could well save Eden’s life if it came to that.

But at the same time, Swa

What a fucking predicament to be in.

Swa

Swa

“Uh, just how swanky is this sort of thing?” Swa

“Oh it’s totally casual, or at least in theory. Some people opt for total tourist clothing and others dress a little more formally, but nothing like what we’ll have for the soiree and the launch party.”

“There’s a problem with that,” Swa

“Ditto,” Edge said, interrupting from the front.

Eden gave him a puzzled look.

Swa

She actually looked relieved, as if she had expected something far worse. He couldn’t quite figure her out. Guns and potential danger didn’t seem to bother her in the least. But the thought of being denied her wish obviously did.

“Oh that’s not a problem,” she said gaily. “We’ll just outfit you in slacks and a di

“Another shopping trip?” Swa

Eden laughed, making those doe eyes even rounder. On purpose, he was certain. The little heifer knew she had him wrapped around her finger, to his never-ending disgust. And she certainly wasn’t above using that to her advantage. The hell of it was he didn’t even mind despite his early disgruntled thoughts on the matter.

“No, silly. I have the very nice saleslady’s card, remember? And she has all your sizes. I’ll simply call her when we get to the hotel, tell her what we need, and Nathan or Joe can go pick it up, since they won’t be going out with us. Besides, it’ll take you guys half the time to get ready as it will us girls. By the time your clothing arrives and you get changed, Sky and I will be dressed and ready. I assume a jacket will conceal any weapons you carry?”

Edge grunted, which caused Swa

“And I’ll just strap my thigh holster on,” Skylar said, getting into the spirit. “Never know when a lady needs a gun when she’s wearing a dress.”

Swa

“I’ll totally have her send you over something as well,” Eden volunteered. “Can’t have you wearing the gorgeous confection we found for the parties. I’ll ask for casual chic. She’ll know exactly what will look perfect on you. Especially when I explain the occasion. Boutique salespeople have to have an expert eye. It’s what sets them apart from all the other hundreds of independent boutiques. And they have impeccable memories, so you’ll be in good hands letting her pick what you’ll wear for tonight.”

And so Swa

A moment later, Eden came out of the bathroom and his mind went utterly blank. If he’d been pondering anything before, he sure as hell couldn’t remember what it was now.

Eden was dressed in a long black sheath that clung to her every curve, with a scoop back that made it obvious she wasn’t wearing a bra. The bodice was modest, covering her entire chest all the way up to her throat, where it looped around to secure at her nape. The only thing keeping the damn dress on her. He hoped to hell it was sturdy and there were no wardrobe malfunctions because he’d be damned if another man saw what he already considered his.