Page 78 of Savage Beauty

“He said it’s a good time. It’s a good time, right, sweetie?”

“Yes, Mom. Tell Dad I said hi.”

“I’m so glad you’re not going back to Ginger. I like her. She’s a very nice young woman, don’t get me wrong. But you two were not right for each other?—”

“Riva!”

“All I’m saying is she’s not what you need.”

“Mom, you don’t have to worry. I promise you. I’m not interested in Ginger.”

“Good. She’s not what you need.”

“Riva!”

“What do I need, Mom?”

“You need someone who challenges you in a good way. You’ve always liked a challenge. And you need someone who sees past your football fame or SEAL team persona. You need someone who is real. You’ve got a big heart. I mean, I’m your mom. But you always put your guard up if someone is into you for anything other than you.”

“Riva, for god’s sake, just let him tell you about his day and hang up the phone.”

“He asked me.” She’s speaking to my dad, and I can’t help but grin. It’s surprising Dad hasn’t picked up a handset to join in the conversation. “The fact that you let Ginger stay at your apartment shows what a big heart you have. You’ll never turn your back on someone, no matter what. What you need is someone who will do the same for you.”

“Thanks, Mom. I’ll take it under advisement.”

The call continues with her giving me updates on her neighbors, my cousins, and a couple of people from my hometown I don’t remember. I halfway listen because I’m evidently a glutton for punishment. But at the forefront of my thoughts is Sloane.

Do I think she lied to me? No. If I take a beat, and give it consideration, it’s not in her chemical makeup. She’s straightforward, and I like that about her. She doesn’t care at all that I was in special forces. I doubt she watches football, and if I told her I turned down a pro football career, she wouldn’t look at me any differently. And she has a big heart. She’ll do anything for her sister. Even when she knows it’s wrong.

When she falls for someone, that person will be a lucky son of a bitch. Because she loves with her whole heart.

Meeting up with Dr. Kallio felt like a gut punch. Blindsided me with a wicked jab. But, hurting me wasn’t her intention. Apparently, we were wrong about Dr. Kallio. If we’d been right, she wouldn’t have let Sloane go. She wouldn’t be rehiring her.

After the call with Mom ends, I press Erik’s name.

“Erik,” he says over the faint sound of computer keys clicking.

“I’m calmer now. She’s staying. Should I stay?” There’s a private jet waiting for us.

“No. Come on back. You can go to the debriefing in D.C.”

“Is she safe here?”

“We’ve got two contract guys close by. They can get to her fast if needed. Let her go back. Spread that report of hers far and wide. I’ll keep a team monitoring the building.”

“Should we maybe get our contract guys to watch her?” The clicking of keys continues. He really pounds his keys. “It’s…it’d be safest right?”

“Jack says he’ll get Stella on it. Matteo will step in today.”

“What about at night?”

“I don’t know. Reach out to Stella. Maybe they’ll have her stay in the villa.”

I don’t particularly treasure the idea of someone else taking over the room across from hers, the room I stayed in initially, but it’s safest. Erik ends the call. I’ll touch base with Stella later. My brain feels a little numb after riding a wave of fury.

Inside the villa, the hallway is cleared except for Sloane’s bags. Since she’s staying, I left all her stuff in the hallway. I can’t exactly leave without saying goodbye, so, calmer now, I trudge up the stairs to find her. I hate goodbyes.

When I reach the landing, my hand falls to the railing for balance.

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