Page 21 of Killer Sins

“We owe him more than we can ever repay,” Tai went on earnestly. “He deserves your respect.”

Tenaya couldn’t hold back any longer. “You know what else he deserves?”

Tai’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“The Father of the Year Award. For walking out on his toddler daughter.”

Tai’s eyes darkened. “It’s complicated?—”

“Seriously? It’s simple from where I stand,” she fired back. “I’ll take your word for the fact that he was an amazing mentor and father figure. Just not to me.” She crossed her arms, glaring defiantly. “So you’ll excuse me if I have some issues with Master Sergeant Washington.”

Tai scowled, looking for a moment like he might launch his own tirade. But finally he just sighed, deflating before her eyes.

“Alright,” he conceded wearily. “I hear you. It’s your right to feel how you feel.” He met her gaze squarely. “Just go a little easy on him. That’s all I ask.”

Tenaya held his stare, still simmering. But the genuine appeal in his eyes drained her ire, leaving only exhaustion behind.

“I’ll work on it,” she muttered. It was the most she could promise right now. Baby steps. That was the way forward. “Agree to disagree?” she offered.

“Seems fair.”

The bright smile that accompanied that statement just about knocked her off her feet. The big Marine might not be her soulmate, but wow, there probably wasn’t a woman in the world he couldn’t charm if he wanted to.

Tai shivered dramatically. “Come on, let’s get inside before I freeze.”

Yeah, right. The man looked built to handle any weather. Any situation. Any danger. Still, Tenaya nodded, the fight draining out of her. Arguing was exhausting.

But before they could take a step, her new phone, the secure one Paige had cloned, dinged with a text notification.

Tenaya glanced down, brows drawing together. It was from her neighbor back in LA. Just two words: Call me.

Dread curled in Tenaya’s stomach. She met Tai’s eyes. “It’s Silvia, my neighbor. I told her not to go near my place until I get back. I should...”

Tai nodded grimly. “Yeah. Call her back.”

Tenaya dialed with trembling fingers. Her neighbor answered on the first ring, her normally cheerful voice somber.

“Hey, Tenaya, I’m so sorry to bother you. I thought you should know. Another delivery came to your door today. It’s bad. I think your stalker’s back.”

Tenaya’s knees went weak. Tai grasped her elbow, steadying her.

“What was it?” she managed to ask.

“I’ll send you the pics. I just didn’t want to text them without talking to you first.”

“Thanks so much, Silvia. There’s a lot going on. It’s complicated for sure. The police are handling things. Just make sure you stay away from my condo. No matter what, okay?”

“You got it. I didn’t touch anything. I figured you’d want the police to see it. And listen, T? Anything you need, you call me, okay?”

“You’re the best. Stay safe,” Tenaya said before ending the call.

The text came instantly.

Heart slamming against her ribs, Tenaya forced herself to glance down at the photos before handing the device to Tai.

The first image showed a dozen roses in a crystal vase, stems drooping, flowers dead and blackened. The second image was even worse. Another handwritten note.

Hey, babydoll, it’s not nice to run out on Victor. If I don’t see your pretty face soon, I’m gonna have to do something bad again. Come home. Or else.

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