Flawed Perfection (An Eve Sumptor Novel) by Jourdyn Kelly

had just learned how to let him in her heart, the fear of losing him was too much for her, didn’t work.
    “It was forgeries and vandalism, Adam, not murder. At least not until yesterday. I wanted something solid to tell you before coming to you and ruining your week.”
    “Ruining my week?”
    “You have been so happy, amant . You got this great account, was offered partnership, decided to venture out on your own. I didn’t want to spoil that with my shit.”
    Adam stared silently at her for a moment before sighing.
    “We’re married, Eve. That means whatever we’re going through, good or bad, we share it. For better or worse, remember? We don’t keep things from each other. Especially things this important.” He went to her and tilted her chin up to look at him. “You could have died yesterday. I would have lost my wife, and Bella, her mother, and I wouldn’t have had any clue as to why.”
    His voice was rough as he tried to swallow the lump that formed. Thinking about what could have happened scared the shit out of him.
    “I’m sorry, baby.” Eve reached up and kissed his mouth gently. “I honestly thought this was just some stupid incident from either my competition or some whacked out religious group. I didn’t think it would come to this.”
    “Does this have to do with your father?”
    Eve exhaled, harshly. “I don’t know. If you had asked me before yesterday, I would have said no, it’s impossible. But, now? I just don’t know.”
    “Besides Donovan, who’s on this?”
    “Charlie. Especially after Branson’s murder. And, James.”
    “You called James?”
    Adam appreciated the fact that James helped Eve with Tony, but having a criminal involved wasn’t ideal for Adam. Particularly when Bella was with Eve most of the time.
    Eve rose a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “I trust him, Adam,” she said, reading his thoughts. “And, I thought he could find information if the paintings were being sold on the black market.”
    Their brief staring contest was interrupted by the chiming of Eve’s phone.
    “It’s Lainey,” she told Adam before answering. “Good morning. Did you sleep okay?” Eve sat heavily in the chair, fighting fatigue that wanted to swallow her up. She felt guilty for putting Lainey in the middle of a dangerous situation. Again. Jack was probably pissed at her. Which sucked, because Jack and Eve’s relationship—for what it was—had began to be cordial after Eve took a bullet to save Lainey’s life. Though Eve knew he would always blame her for Lainey’s involvement in the first place. Even so, a mutual—silent—peace agreement was made for Lainey’s sake.
    “Good morning. Yes. You?”
    “Mmhmm.” Eve hadn’t slept well, but she didn’t need Lainey worrying about her.
    Lainey hesitated, then drew in a shaky breath. “Eve, I told Jack everything that was going on.”
    “Good.” She glanced at Adam who sat next to her, and was watching her intently. “He should know everything.”
    “Well, now that he does, he doesn’t want me going in to the gallery. At least not until they find the shooter. I’m so sorry.”
    “Don’t be. It’s understandable.” She was disappointed, of course. But, honestly, could she blame Jack for the request?
    “Are you going?”
    “I’m not sure, yet.” Adam hadn’t made the same request. Would he? And, would she comply?
    “Did you talk to Adam?”
    “Yes.”
    “Is everything okay?”
    Eve paused as she looked at Adam. She saw in his eyes that he was hurt and angry, but he kept calm when talking to her. Calm before the storm? God, she hoped not.
    “Yes. Honey, Lexie will be here in a little bit, and Adam and I need to finish talking. Can I call you later?”
    “Of course! I hope you don’t go to the gallery, Eve. If you do, please be careful. I’m going to worry about you.”
    Eve couldn’t respond in the way she would like to Lainey, so she just said her goodbyes and hung up.
    “Does Jack know?” Adam asked as Eve