Page 22 of City of Wind and Lies

It's late when I make my way back to my quiet apartment, and when I step into the shower, the feeling still lurks around me.

I've never felt lonely before tonight.

The hot water pelts against my body, reddening the skin not covered by ink as I try to unpack this unfamiliar feeling. I lose myself in thought until the water turns cold, and my bed seems to feel a little emptier than usual as I crawl underneath the covers.

How is it that a woman I hardly know has managed to embed herself so deeply in my mind?

Monday rears its ugly head with an email waiting in my inbox from Wren, stating she needs to speak to me about the reports first thing. I'm almost positive that Allen is giving her the same run-around that he gave me. I just need proof that he's the one skimming money, and then his ass is fired.

If it wasn't for trying to stay legit within Vento Ventures, and the heat from the drugs, I'd handle him the same way I did Adam- morto.

I'm not perfect, but washing blood from your hands doesn't mean there won't be stains.

With Rocco back at my side, we can start digging further into the missing drugs. The overdoses keep happening, and even with O'Ryan running point, it's only a matter of time before my guys start getting pulled in for questioning.

The tension starts to build early. I didn't have time to hit the gym with Wren needing to meet immediately, and if I don't find something else to relieve it, I'll be a miserable bastard today.

Sliding in behind the wheel of my BMW M3, I buckle my seatbelt and crank the inline engine to life. Then I shift into gear, tires squealing as I press the button on my remote to raise the gate and leave the parking garage.

The second I hit the street, I mash the gas pedal, roaring every last bit of the 500 horsepower to life. The turbo purrs and whistles with each change of gear, and the adrenaline rush it offers is just the distraction I need.

Still feeling the rush of endorphins as I pass through the main lobby, I stop off to grab two large lattes from the kiosk before heading up to my floor.

The only light in the office bleeds out from Wren's half-open door. The dim lighting casts ominous shadows around me as I step off the elevator; Cami usually turns on the lights and starts the coffee when she comes in.

I'd be a liar if I said I didn't hope what Wren needs to meet about doesn't take long so I can get between her thighs before everyone else gets here. I twist my wrist, checking my watch to see that we have about an hour until my employees start filing in for the day.

I lean on the door jamb of her office, peering inside at her and taking a minute to absorb her beauty. Her blonde hair is twisted back into a clip, a few soft waves framing her face. A plain hunter-green shirt clings tightly against her body, the deep V cut framing her cleavage like a priceless work of art. Just the thought of palming one of those perfect tits and rolling a pert nipple between my fingers has my dick thickening beneath my zipper.

"Morning Wren," I greet, stepping into her office and lifting the coffee carrier up in one hand.

Looking up from her computer, her baby blues meet my gaze, and even as her luscious lips tug up into a smile, it doesn't hide the fatigue that shadows her features.

"Hey," she breathes, closing her laptop and eyeing the coffee. "Is one of those for me?"

I nod, stepping closer and handing one across the desk.

Her fingers brush mine as they curl around the cup and she hums in delight. "Thank you, I definitely needed this."

"Oh yeah?" I ask, feeling an odd sense of pride that I could take care of her in the smallest way.

She relaxes back, nodding. "Yeah, I was up late most of the weekend working on this. I found a trail and couldn't stop following it."

"A trail?"

"Mhmm." She brings the cup to her nose, taking an inhale, and immediately puts the cup down. The color drains from her face as she quickly swivels in her chair, grabbing the waste basket and throwing up in it.

I take a step forward, concern building in my chest. "Are you okay?"

She takes a moment to compose herself, grabbing a drink of water and a piece of gum from her purse before slumping back in her chair. "Yeah, I ate leftover takeout for breakfast and I don't think it’s sitting right."

I step back, relieved she's not sick enough to need to leave work. Aside from watching that tight ass walk around here, her presence seems to make me feel less on edge lately.

It could also be the sex.

"Well," I say, taking a sip of my latte, "When you're ready, I'll be in my office."

I cross the reception area, fishing the keys to my office from my pocket and letting myself in. Grimacing as I take another sip of the sugary sweet drink, I sink down into my leather chair, swiveling to look out over the water.

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