RENT A HEART

EVE's POV.

"Are you really sure you heard right?" Stephanie asked. I'd just told her what I'd overheard during my visit with Chris. I'd kept it to myself for weeks, and it was seriously taking a toll. I needed advice on what to do and how to approach Chris.

"Unfortunately, yes," I said, looking at my reflection as I applied eyeshadow for this evening's get-together with Chris at Eden Nightclub.

"I can't believe it. I mean, we've known Fred since kindergarten. He can't suddenly be a serial killer, right?" she asked, waiting for me to finish getting ready.

"Beats me. But Cole was certain Fred caused Chris's accident, and Chris even agreed that Fred was behind it. Plus, the fact that Chris thinks Frederick might hurt me makes me wonder if I really know Fred at all," I said, trying to make sense of everything.

"To be fair, there has been something different about him since he came back to the country. But I dismissed it as him just being an adult. Maybe there are things we don't know that other people do," she concluded.

"Now I have bodyguards secretly following me everywhere. I don't know what they think, that I wouldn't notice I'm being followed?" I complained as we headed downstairs.

"Well, for starters, you definitely needed some bodyguards ages ago, so it's a welcomed development. But how do you know they're for your protection and not just stalkers in disguise?" she asked.

"I saw one of them in Cole's office once, and the other two were with Chris that day at the club when we were almost harassed by that councillor's son and his goons," I said as we got into the car.

Chris had also sent his driver to pick us up, another part of his plan to ensure my safety. I knew I couldn't keep acting oblivious for much longer before I popped the question.

We changed the subject as soon as we were in the car; we couldn't risk the driver telling Chris what he'd heard.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the club. The driver drove into the parking lot, where we were escorted through a private entrance.

Soft classical music drifted through the air as we entered.

"This way, ma'am," the driver said, expertly guiding us through the low hum of conversation and stylishly dressed men and women. We were heading towards Chris and the others when a shadow fell over me. I looked up to find Frederick blocking my path.

My stomach clenched. His sudden appearance, after everything I'd heard, stirred a confusing mix of nervousness and simmering anger.

"What is it, Frederick?" I asked, my voice edged with irritation.

"Can you give me a minute to talk, please?" He pleaded, reaching for my hands. I recoiled, swatting him away.

"No, I won't give you a minute, Frederick. After everything you've done, I don't think I'll ever give you my time again." The words stung as they left my lips. He had, at one point, been my best friend, someone who had cared for me when we were growing up.

"Excuse me, sir, you're in the way," the driver interjected, attempting to maneuver us past him. But Frederick shifted, blocking our path again.

"I'm sorry, okay? Whatever Christopher told you, it's lies. You need to believe me." His voice was thick with desperation.

I was about to retort when a hand shoved Frederick roughly to the side. It was Chris, his face a mask of barely contained fury. The last thing I needed was a scene, especially here. People were already starting to stare.

"Stay away from her, or I swear I'll kill you," Chris growled, taking a step towards Frederick. I moved quickly, stepping between them.

"Babe, look at me," I said softly, cupping his face in my hands. I felt the rapid thump of his heart against my palm.

"I'm fine, okay? I'm fine." I patted his chest gently, trying to soothe him. Thankfully, it seemed to work. He pulled me into a tight embrace, burying his face in my hair. The familiar scent of his cologne, his aftershave, and that uniquely comforting earthy smell like rain on dry soil, enveloped me. I felt safe, and for a moment, I could have stayed there forever.

"I'm fine, I promise," I whispered into his ear, reassuring him. He just nodded against my hair.

"Let's go," he said, finally breaking the embrace. He took my hand, and we followed the driver upstairs, leaving Frederick standing alone in the crowd

"Cole?" I called out, but he just smirked and took another sip of his drink. It was a pleasant surprise to see him anywhere that wasn't the company or his study, though he was still clad in his usual suit.

I scanned the area and spotted Frank and Lexi, who was seated elegantly beside my brother.

"Hi, Lexi," I said, smiling at her. "You look really good, as always."

Thankfully, I'd gotten over my earlier jealousy, especially after Chris told me she was like a sister to him and that she'd even encouraged him to confess his feelings to me.

"Well, thank you, but you look stunning yourself," she said, winking.

I turned to my brother, who hadn't said a word since I'd arrived. I suspected he was flustered, knowing I was going to enjoy teasing him until we left.

"I can't believe I'm seeing you in a club. Oh my god," I exclaimed, barely containing my excitement, while he frowned.

"Why? I do go to clubs… occasionally, especially when required," he said defensively, but I couldn't help laughing.

"Occasionally as in… never," I teased.

"Oh, that must be it, then," Lexi said, chuckling, earning her a glare from my brother. It felt like something had been brewing before I got there, and whatever it was, I was definitely looking forward to it.

"Is he always this stuck up?" she asked me, giving him a pointed look. My brother raised an eyebrow, giving me a "don't you dare" look.

"Well, mostly, but not always… but mostly," I said, struggling to suppress a laugh.

"I am not," he emphasized each syllable, before gulping down the drink in his hand. It seemed to hit him hard, as he started coughing, his face reddening. Lexi instinctively patted his back before offering him a bottle of water from the table.

"They look cute together, don't you think?" I whispered to Chris, who chuckled and shook his head. "She's a Sagittarius, and Cole seems so reserved. It'll be like fire and ice."

"But that's exactly what he needs," I chuckled, picturing them together.

"Get a room, both of you," Franklin said to Lexi and Cole.

"Absolutely not," Cole said, shaking his head as if he'd heard a blasphemy.

"Why? Do you like men, then?" she asked, staring at him with mirth dancing in her eyes.

"What? No, I do not," he stated clearly.

"Well, do you think I'm attractive, then?" she asked again, smiling.

"Yes… no, I mean, no! Leave me alone, Lexi," he said, flustered. He reached for another glass, but she snatched it away.

"Not another drop," she said.

He was so flustered, his face was beet red, and he unconsciously loosened his tie.

His expression was so funny we all laughed. It was the first time I'd ever seen my cold, aloof brother challenged by a woman, and he was completely embarrassed.

He was always so prim and proper, always doing the right thing and incredibly disciplined, but tonight I saw another side of him. He unconsciously relaxed, loosened up, and laughed more than I'd seen him do in a very long time.

And yes, I was absolutely rooting for the two of them to end up together.