Page 95 of Hunted By Valentine

Even as I move closer with the now filled ice bucket in my hand, I can’t hear what’s being said on the other end.

“She’s here. Yep, we got it and I’ve explained everything.”

Pause.

“Right.”

Pause.

“Got it. I’ll tell her.”

Pause.

He hangs up and turns toward me.

“Who was that?” I ask as I pour some of the poison over the ice, making sure to hit every single cube.

“The boss. Michael landed only a few minutes ago, and he’s on his way here.” He delivers the message in a monotone voice and his face is completely expressionless. “Where do you want me to hide?”

Umm… that’s a good damn question. “In the bedroom,” I reply, slowly.

With a sharp nod, Marco leaves me, and as he retreats, I hear him talking again. Probably to someone on the phone.

Suddenly, a sliver of awareness trickles down my spine. I spin around quickly, but I don’t see anything that isn’t how it should be. What am I reacting to? A sound? Or… I shake my head when I glance at the coffee table, noticing my phone lying there. Huh, I don’t remember moving it there. Did Marco do it?

When I pick it up, there’s a slew of texts, the newest barely two minutes old.

Valentine: You’re in so much trouble, Pet!

As if I can feel his eyes on me, I look around again, but there’s still nothing to see.

Me: I need you to come to my house. Do you need the address?

Valentine: I’m already here.

A gasp escapes me as I realize what I was reacting to; him, Valentine—his presence. I don’t understand how he can be in this house when both of my brothers checked it over. Unless he snuck in after they left… yeah, that has to be it.

Me: Where?

I’m annoyed at myself for feeling excited he’s here, but there’s no stopping the feeling as it grows inside me. Yes, I’m still angry and hurt, but the betrayal I felt pales in comparison to the fact that he’s here. That he came for me.

Valentine: I’m looking at your bodyguard right now. He doesn’t like you very much, and he’s calling you names he has no right to use.

I shake my head. Before I can reply, another text comes through.

Valentine: Are you opposed to me killing him?

Biting down on my lip, I consider my options. I can’t allow Marco to be hurt, not when he’s watching over me. Okay, that’s not the real reason, I’m not that good a person. I just can’t do that to Nick, who would be devastated.

But I also can’t let Marco find out Valentine is here.

Me: Do not kill him!! I mean it.

Although I know it’s impossible, I swear I can hear Valentine’s laughter. Hell, I can even see his amused smile in my mind’s eye.

“Ruby?” Marco calls suddenly, making me jump.

“Yeah?”

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