“He’s not going to be alone, Rosebud. There are people who will be assisting him. And Caleb will also join once he comes back from his honeymoon,” he replied, putting some bacon on my plate. “Don’t worry. I trust him.”

That was what holding me back from telling him Arthur’s truth earlier, before Arthur threatened me with Ace’s past. He had blind trust in his uncle.

Seeing my silence, he gave me his whole attention. “What happened? What are you thinking?”

Should I tell him? Will he trust me?

What about Arthur’s threat? But that could be just a bluff, right? Maybe he didn’t know anything and was just bluffing to keep my mouth shut?

Kissing my lips softly, he made me look at him. “What’s bothering my rose so much?”

Should I?

I gulped. “He…”

SIXTY-FOUR: THE VACATION

“He…” I licked my lower lip, which suddenly felt very dry.

He nodded, patiently waiting for me to continue.

“He isn’t what you think—”

His phone blared on the counter, halting me mid-sentence. Frowning, he picked up the phone and let out a sigh.

“Sorry, Rosebud. Have to take this,” he apologized, answering the call. “Yes, Arthur?”

Even though the displeasure was lucid on his face being disturbed again, his tone maintained the respect for his uncle. If it was someone else, he wouldn’t be so lenient for the interruption.

“Hmm. All right. Just send the details to Carter. I’ll take a look later,” he said, while picking up a grape and putting it in my mouth. As I chewed on it, he listened carefully to what Arthur had to say.

Then his gaze snapped up to mine.

Nodding slowly, he said, “All right, will tell her. Yeah, see you later.”

I cocked my head at the side. Was he talking about me?

“What did he say?” I asked.

“Just some details of a meeting with the Russians. Regarding our final signing with them,” he replied. “Anyway, he gave you his greetings. He said he was sorry he couldn’t meet you today. He was in a hurry, but he’ll see you soon. He really enjoyed his last conversation with you.” A brow of his raised. “I didn’t know Arthur had time to converse with someone unless it’s regarding work.”

Something churned in my stomach. I gulped. It was a reminder of the sword he had dangling over my neck from him, not a message. When I was thinking about telling Ace everything, he stopped me again. Even if I didn’t entirely believe he had anything against Ace with him, a fear lingered. He was connected to Ace’s family and past, after all. He was there after his father’s death. He handled Ace. There was definitely a possibility he knew something.

And he’ll meet me soon? Why?

“Rosebud?” Cupping my chin, he made me look at him. “Where are you so lost?”