Page 44 of Stealing Iris

“Shut up, man. Let me think.” I know the guy has muscle that takes care of shit for him. I can still see that dude staring down at me and Iz, and my throat knots up. If he comes after us, we are fucked. I could give them Iz, but I need him. And really, if they go after him, he’ll flip on me. Damn, I’m gonna lose the deal and more over that piece of—

“Rad.” Iz’s voice is high and scared.

I look up in time to swerve, passing some shithead that stopped at the corner. Any other time I woulda stopped and kicked the shit outta that guy. I can’t take the chance that Dante or his muscle shows up. I gotta focus on getting me and Iz outta this mess.

“Toss the phones.”

“What?” Iz’s voice goes higher.

“They can track us through the phones.”

“Oh.”

I need to get the money, without it I can’t get far. I spin another corner when it hits me, and red-hot rage tears through my gut. I can’t go back for the safe. He’ll figure that’s what I’d do and catch me there. Fuck.

I whip into a parking lot and roll down to a dark corner. Whatever I’m gonna do, I gotta move fast and I need that money. Iz has enough sense not to say a word; I can feel him watching me as I stare out the window. Leaning back, I realize I got one option left. Dante won’t hurt my mom if he catches her, he might even buy her excuse for why she’s taking the money. So now it’s up to her. She owes me after the crap I had to clean up for her.

Dropping the car into gear, I head out to find her.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

IRIS

We drove across town, through a high-end neighborhood, to a house that probably cost more money than I would earn in my lifetime. The half bath, where I stopped to wash up, is the size of my bedroom, with towels so plush my fingers nearly disappear in the fibers. This is how Dante lives, and his home is nowhere near the store.

Reality’s creeping in again, so I wrap my arms around myself. I left my parents’ home in an old nightshirt and bare feet, my only possession a phone with no service. If it didn’t hold the only family pictures still in existence, I would have left it behind also. Pain slices through me. When will I go back there? Will it ever be my family’s home again? Taking a deep, calming breath, I turn the knob and step out.

“Iris,” Dante calls from somewhere down the hall. Curling my hands, I follow his voice down the wide hallway to an office. He’s behind an enormous wooden desk with intricate carvings. To his left, he has a monitor bigger than the TV in my room.Lord, I can’t be comparing everything if I want to stop feeling like a doormat.

His features are relaxed as he holds out a hand, calling me next to him. The sight makes me smile. I circle the desk to find he’s online with a woman.

“This is Kassy.” Pushing a corner, he adjusts the monitor at an angle.

“Hey, girl.” Kassy’s probably in her late twenties, with blonde hair and highlights ending halfway down her chest in a deep purple matching her cat-eye glasses.

“Hello,” I reply, trying my best to smile while wondering who exactly she is.

“I’m glad you’re safe.” Her almond eyes show sympathy.

My gaze immediately goes to Dante. Considering her choice of words, my insides start squirming, and I duck my head.

He pulls me over, bringing me to sit in his lap. “Kassy is my IT specialist. She keeps all my personal things secure.”

“I’m sorry, Iris.” Glancing up, I brace myself for pity I half expect. “I thought Dante told you about me.” She glares at him before switching back to me, her expression losing the harsh lines.

“I’m here, too.” Tino’s voice comes from the speaker.

Kassy turns to her keyboard then Tino’s profile fills half the monitor, the car seat’s headrest peeking out in the background.

Dante gives my hand a light squeeze, calling my attention back to him. “I need you to tell us about Conrado.”

For the second time tonight, I’m glad I’m on an empty stomach. I’ve been dreading the moment when I’ll have to tell him everything. And now, suddenly, three people will hear my confession. I press my eyes closed. Will this night never end?

“I saw the video, Iris.” Dante’s voice is steady, not giving away what he may be feeling. What did he think when he saw me looking over my shoulder nervously, while taking stacks of money out of the safe? Did he wonder how he could be with a petty thief? Tears trickle down my face as shame takes over.

“Please don’t be embarrassed,” Kassy cuts in. “Girl, you’re stronger than you imagine,” she says adamantly. “Trust me when I tell you, most people would crumble having to go through what you suffered.”

Tino turns, his full attention on me.

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