Chapter 160: We were just
"Nothing!" Rhea snapped, her amber eyes flashing, her voice rising as she leaped to her feet. "How’s this our fault? You got any clue what went down out there? She ruined it!"
"It wasn’t a mission—it was a one-woman show!" Freya cut in, her blue eyes flashing, her cape swirling as she stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Lila took out Vulpes, his goons, and his bodyguards before we even got out of the car! We were just... her damn chauffeurs!"
Kael’s hand slammed against his forehead, a loud slap echoing, his hazel eyes closing as he groaned.
"I told Lila to stay back, observe, help if needed. If she went full rogue to hurry back here then, it’s ’cause she was scared for Tila—and that’s on you two. What did you tell her?"
Rhea’s gaze darted away, her voice defensive, her arms crossing tighter. "Nothing, okay? Just... stuff."
Freya sighed, her blue eyes dropping, her voice low, reluctant.
"I told her the truth," she admitted, glancing sideways, her platinum-cyan hair catching the light.
"Same," Rhea mumbled, feigning innocence, her eyes avoiding Kael’s, her sulk returning as she kicked the couch again. "Stupid mission..."
Kael’s groan deepened, his hand dragging down his face, his eyes glinting with exasperation.
He knew exactly what "truth" they’d spun—some twisted, exaggerated tale of his methods, warped to freak Lila out.
"Let me guess," he said, his voice dry, turning to Lila. "They painted me as some kind of sexual predator, didn’t they? Look, Lila, Tila’s fine—safe as can be. If I was half the creep they probably made me out to be, you think Freya and Rhea would be out here in those suits without their collars? Nah, they’d be in my bedroom, dressed in skimpy maid outfits, calling me ’Master’ and polishing my boots and warming my bed." His grin returned, teasing, his eyes twinkling as he leaned toward her, trying to lighten the mood.