Page 190 of Volatile Obsessions

I was perfectly fine with risking my own life—I’d fucking die to save Roman if it came to that.

But thinking about risking Suki’s life, for something that, technically, had fuck all to do with her, didn’t sit right with me.

Made me as sick as thinking what Rome might’ve had to ensure the last two days.

Suki nodded surely, lifting her chin high. “Positive. Based on what I can see of the inside, it’ll work.”

Always so gallant, that one.

“You know I love you, right?” I couldn’t help getting mushy with her. We’d been through so much together, and in the end, she always had my fucking back. No matter what.

“Stop it.” She grabbed my arm thoughtfully. “We’re all getting out of here today—except that crazy bitch.”

“I’m serious, Suk. You always help me out of every shit hole I get myself into. I love you,” I stressed, pulling her into a heartfelt hug.”

I love you, too, L,” she squeezed me back, “now focus, before I fucking kick your ass into gear. You’re making a bitch all teary.”

Chuckling into her shoulder, I squeezed her one last time before easing back. “You wanna do the honors?”

Suki shook her head, a wicked smirk coloring her expression. “Absolutely not—that’s all you, baby girl. Let’s raise some hell.”

I nodded and inhaled a steady breath, readying myself as Suki jiggled the knob.

It actually turned, dispersing rivulets of adrenaline through me in seconds flat.

On another nod, she pushed the door open carefully.

It squeaked softly as ever, barely audibly, but I was more worried about tripping an alarm. Nothing happened, though.

That’s when we busted in, clearing room to room quickly as we made our way to the front. Once we were in the foyer, two spiral grand staircases on either side of us, we made our presence known.

Or really, I did.

Suki hid herself in the shadows.

“Oh, Lizaaa,” I sang, hands cupped around my mouth. “Come out, come out, wherever you are!”

The same stillness that had followed us since leaving the rental remained firmly in place, and still, my heart was galloping.

Why was nothing happening?

I was expecting a calvary to flood around me within milliseconds, but there was literally not a soul in sight.

To be heard.

Until suddenly, a distant thunder erupted from the second floor.

It’s on now.

I braced myself for the worst and bounced my eyes between every entry point around me, hoping we had the right place and hadn’t just stormed into some innocent family’s home.

Less than a minute later, five disheveled men—who’d clearly been asleep—appeared at the landing, each one pointing their rifle at me. I lifted my hands in cooperation, intent on showing them my lack of a weapon, and shook my head slowly. “I just want to have a little chat with her.”

They extended them further, to the point I cringed a little at the thought they might pull the trigger, but then someone cleared their throat.

“Move aside, boys,” a female voice commented thereafter. “I’ve been expecting her.”

Liza.

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