Page 150 of Savage Bosses

“Thanks. Have a good evening!” I called out as she made her way to the front door with her purse and a shopping bag in hand. With a final wave, she left the house, leaving me alone with a murder that needed to be solved somewhere in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on The First 48.

I waited a few minutes after Mrs. Rodriguez left, then made my way to the kitchen. As I opened the refrigerator door, I couldn’t help but think about how quickly my life had changed since meeting Kyle. Our steamy romp in his office replayed in my mind. The intensity of his touch still lingered on my skin.

I pulled the plastic container out that was left in the fridge for us. I removed the lid to see lasagna. Although the food looked delicious, I put the container back.

A sudden ring from the doorbell startled me, causing my heart to race. My first thought was of Kyle. But why would he ring his own doorbell?

I made my way to the front door. Maybe his housekeeper forgot something. I would think she had a key.

As I opened the front door, all thoughts of Kyle vanished, replaced by the unexpected sight of a tall woman standing on the doorstep. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a smirk that seemed to say she knew something I didn’t.

“Can I help you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady while looking her up and down.

“Where is Kyle?” She howled.

“He’s not here.”

The woman pushed past me and walked right into the house without an invitation. I knew from FuSeWater office gossip that Kyle didn’t have a sister. I followed her into the living room.

Her dark eyes scanned the room looking for something. “So, are you the new maid?”

Bitch!!! “Do I look like,” the motherfuckin’ “maid?”

“I prefer not to comment on what you look like.”

“Who are you?” I asked.

The woman glared at me and hissed. “I’m Maddie. Who are you?”

“Aerica. Can I help you with something? I already told you Kyle is not here.”

“You couldn’t be with Kyle in that way. You’re too ah— basic.”

There wasn’t a goddamn thing basic about me. I instantly figured out that this bitch had to be Kyle’s ex-girlfriend, the Armenian.Why was she here? Was he still seeing her? Or worse, was he still fucking her?

“Katie. I think you should leave.” I knew her name was Maddie, but if she was going to play nasty to me, I was going to be downright filthy with her.

She rolled her eyes at me. “There’s no way he’s doing you.”

“Kyle and I are together,” I said firmly. I wanted to say BITCH, Kyle is my man, but I decided to keep it cute. My relationship with him was so fresh I knew I didn’t have a leg to stand on, a crutch to hobble on, or a cane to prop my ass up. She didn’t have to know that. I hoped he wasn’t still seeing her.

“Really? Together?” She scoffed, examining her nails with disinterest. “Well, let me give you some advice, girlfriend. You’re just a brief distraction for him. He will always come back to me.”

“He never said you were delusional.” Kyle never mentioned her at all, but she didn’t know that.

“I know Kyle better than anyone, and I guarantee he’ll get bored with you very soon.”

“I’m done entertaining you. Get out.” I stayed calm instead of wildin’ out.

“Or what?” She taunted, taking a step closer to me.

“Hellooooo, he’s not here. Are you slow?” I shot back. She was gonna make me unleash the dragon. “You’re pathetic, showing up here like a jealous ex.”

“Jealous? Please,” Maddie sneered. “I’m just trying to save you some heartache and embarrassment. Go ahead; enjoy your little fantasy world. Your days are numbered.”

I reached up and pinched my earlobes to make sure I wasn’t wearing dangling earrings. Nope. I was ready to pop those bad boys out because it seemed Ms. Maddie wanted these hands.

“I’m not going to tell you to get out again.” My brain was getting ready to knuck and buck. I took two steps in her direction.

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