Page 14 of The One

“Small world?”

“Starting to feel like it.” Her expression stays perplexed, and I can tell she’s trying to piece things together but can’t. My phone goes off again because I haven’t cleared the gate. Last night, I changed the codes so that no one could pop up on me. “Riley is with him. I’m sure she wants to see you.”

“Oh.” That has her forgetting everything else; her face lights up with a smile.

“I’ll be right back.” I kiss her on the crown of her head. “Going to let them in.”

“All right. I’m going to make more batter in case they’re hungry,” Angel says before I head downstairs. I could have let them in from here, but I need to speak with them first. I key in the code to open the gate and the main garage door. When I make it down, Nikolai is pulling in.

“This is fucked,” Nikolai bitches when he gets out of the car. He goes around to the other side, opening the door for Riley. She looks weary of me. I’ve never met her in person. She is the boss's wife’s sister. Now she belongs to Nikolai. I’m not the type thatshows up for family dinners or little parties that might be had. I prefer to hang in the shadows.

“It wasn’t my call.”

“I’m so fucking pissed,” Nikolai mutters. “He should be dead.”

“Hey.” Riley puts her hand on Nikolai’s chest, trying to calm him. “Matteo knows what he’s doing, I’m sure.” I can’t argue with that. I don’t often get the way that Matteo initially goes about things, but when they unfold, you understand his master plan. “So you’re the infamous Church.” Riley offers me a smile. I nod.

“He’s not a big talker,” Nikolai informs her.

“But he’s taken Angel.” She shifts on her feet.

“She’s mine.”

“Right,” Riley huffs. She’s not new to this world.

“She thinks I took her because something is going on with her father.”

“Isn’t there?” Riley speaks dryly. I guess they filled her in on a few things.

“She has no clue who he is. She believes this is a safe house, and I’m some kind of bodyguard.” I fill in a few more of the blanks.

“So you want me to lie to her?” Riley huffs a breath. “I don’t know.”

“I’ll make this real clear.”

“Careful,” Nikolai warns.

“Exactly.” Any friendliness I may have had is gone. “Everyone needs to be real fucking careful because, as I said, she’s mine. So if you go up there and tell her some shit that’s going to freak her out, it will only make things worse. I'll tell you both this now, before anyone gets any ideas. She’s not going home with you. She’s not going fucking anywhere that isn’t within arms’ length of me.” I’ve never been more serious in my life. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to stop that from happening.

Riley’s lips purse, and I know I hit the nail on the head. Sure, she could go up there and lay it all out and think Angel could choose to stay or go with her, but as fucked up as it is, what I want is what it’s going to be.

I gave them a warning. It’s the best I can do. I’m not rational when it comes to Angel. There's no telling what I would do if someone tried to take her from me.

I don't think anyone wants to find out.

10

ANGEL

When Riley and Nikolai come in, everyone seems tense. “Hey.” I walk over and give Riley a hug. She gives me a tight squeeze back.

“How are you?”

“I’m good,” I reassure her. “Are you okay?”

“Great.” She gives me a smile, but it doesn’t meet her eyes. She’s acting strange. I glance over to Nikolai, wondering if they’re fighting. He gives me a chin nod, which is his normal greeting to most people that aren’t Riley.

“Sorry my family pulled you into whatever mess this is.” She wouldn't have become involved in all this if I hadn't invited her over.

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