Page 34 of Queen of Spades

Especially since I’m on the edge of a neighborhood.

I don’t even get to take him out for walks or to play fetch.

Oh well, it’s time to make sure he doesn’t die of dehydration or starvation. Then I can get back to climbing into bed with my sweet little omega.

I only realize I didn’t lock the front door when I hear it pop open.

My gaze slides from the guest bedroom to the hallway that leads to the front door. His moaning and begging can’t be heard from outside. I know because I’ve checked at length, but from inside the house, it’s a completely different story.

Fuck me.

This isn’t good.

Here’s hoping it’s just another of the Andrettis’ hired killers here to try their luck.

Annika’s wavy brown hair peeks around the hallway that leads to the front door, and my stomach drops.

Goddammit.

Chapter Twelve

Annika

Apparently, I’m the woman who follows her boyfriend around. I know I’m a crazy person. Normal human beings trust their partners.

This is so bad.

If I’m wrong, and he’s not doing anything shady, I’m going to look awful. It’ll hurt his feelings, and things won’t ever be the same between us.

Rationally, I know this.

My instincts don’t give a shit. They’re convinced Grady was lying, and I’m not going to be able to rest until I know one way or the other.

“Hey, baby,” Grady purrs, striding toward me with bare feet. I spotted his boots next to the door when I snuck inside. I squeak, pulling a hand up to cover my face. This is mortifying. “If you wanted to see my house, you could have just said that.” An easy smile crosses his face as I peek at him through my fingers.

“I don’t see any plants,” I accuse, walking closer to the living room. It has high ceilings, and it’s a really freaking nice house. “Why the hell have we been hanging out at my shit-hole apartment if you own this?”

How can he even afford this place?

My hackles immediately pop back up.

“I thought you were more comfortable at your apartment. Your bedroom basically doubles as your nest.” Grady approaches me slowly.

I back toward the kitchen, glancing over my shoulder to make sure I don’t trip over anything.

“How about I grab that change of clothes, and we head back to your place?” he offers, looking incredibly hopeful.

A low moaning sound fills the air.

My head tilts as my eyes narrow.

Grady steps forward, wrapping his hand around my wrist.

“Ohmigod, do you have someone in there?” I shake out of his grip and stomp toward what I assume is a bedroom door.

“Anni Girl, please.” Grady sighs, bolting past me. He blocks the door with his massive frame, and my heart drops into my stomach.

Okay, so, logically, I know I’m the one who has kept distance between us, but also…

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