Page 94 of Sweet Deception

"Yes, sir."

"Thanks, Joseph." I end the call, but still no return text from her. I can't seem to tamp down the wrongness crawling up my spine as I stare out the window while tapping my finger on the door's armrest.

"Is something wrong?" Gio asks.

"She hasn't returned my text. It's … not like her."

Gio furrows his brows as he looks at me in the rearview mirror. "Joseph has sight lines on her, right?"

I tilt my head, thinking about how he phrased his answer. "He said she's still inside."

"Then she's fine. She probably just fell asleep watching TV." Rafael shrugs.

"Probably." I mutter.

Using the hour drive to Kylie's apartment, I take care of any last-minute business and to make sure everything is set to go in the morning. I'm looking forward to taking Kylie out on the boat. She mentioned wanting to snorkel, so I asked Joanna to make sure snorkel gear was delivered to the house we'll be renting.

When Gio stops at the curb, I instruct them to stay while I run in to get Kylie.

As soon as I hit the top of the stairs, the lack of sound coming from her apartment becomes apparent, but there is a light peeking out from under the door. Hoping Gio is right and she's just asleep, I knock before putting my hands on my hips and wait.

I give it a few seconds before I knock again, but louder this time.

The uneasiness is back.

Putting my ear to the door, I still don't hear any kind of noise from inside. I straighten and knock again before scanning the small landing between her and her neighbor's door across from her. I'm not sure anyone's in the other apartment with how quiet it is.

Pulling my phone out, I call Rafael and ask him to come with his tools. I have to know she's not just asleep before I let the panic set in.

Rafael comes through the door and takes the stairs two at a time.

"She's not answering." It's all I need to say before he bends down and picks the lock.

Once he gets it unlocked, I push the door open and scan the area, calling her name.

No one answers.

I find her room empty. Turning, I check the bathroom and then what must be Talia's room. Neither one is here.

I step out of the bedroom and look at Rafael and freeze.

"She came here to pack, right?" he asks in a calm manner.

"Yes." My mind races, trying to think of what to do next.

"Look in her room. Does it look like she packed?" Rafael calmly instructs.

I rush back to find her luggage sitting at the bottom of her closet. As I drag it out, I already know what I’ll find—the lack of weight a dead giveaway. Still,desperate to be wrong, I unzip it and fling it open. Seeing nothing but the silky lining has dread settling to the pit of my stomach.

Rafael's "Fuck" comes from behind me.

"Call Rome." Make sure he has eyes on Robert. I rush past him and jog down the stairs and out the building, heading straight for Joseph.

Gio steps out of the Escalade. "What's going on?"

Anger and panic war inside of me, but I'm still hanging onto hope that she's safe, and this is all a big misunderstanding.

Joseph steps out of the SUV and waits. I look over my shoulder at Gio. "You and Rafael stay here just in case she comes back while I go to her parents' house." That's all Joseph needs to hear before getting back into the car. I jump into the passenger seat. "You've followed her to her parents before—take me there."

---