Edward blinked, his eyes zeroing in on Darius and focusing. Then, his lips started trembling as he said, “Mr. Reid, I never would’ve expected to be able to see you again.”

Darius rolled his eyes. “By that, do you mean you’d die, or were you afraid I’d die?”

Edward faltered, then shook his head. “That’s not what I meant, sir.”

Darius smiled. “I know that, of course. I just find your way of putting things amusing.” They shared a glance and saw the relief in each other’s eyes. Bridget was still st