Page 78 of No Promises, No Lies

“No!” The man screeches. “I know who ordered the hit on Declan O’Rourke!”

The bat freezes.

“It was the Lion, the Russian Lion—Adrik—Adrik Kostalov.” He nods furiously. “He put the hit out that left old Dec’ dead.”

I stare at the floor, processing the words. He could be lying, but all of us have been waiting for this smoking gun. Weknow he’s not. There are so many repercussions to the Italian’s statement, but only one question comes to mind;Did Rory lie to me?

Slowly, I raise my head. And I bury the bat in that motherfucker’s skull.

46

I EXPECT PERFECTION

RORY

Istop walking at the sight of Matteo waiting for me at the arrivals gate. The rest of the Belles continue past me, none of them catching on to my immediate distress.

All of them—except for Elle. She slows, turning back to check on me, following my gaze to Matteo, who stands, waiting for me a couple hundred yards ahead. A quick scan shows he brought at least four men with him. I can make out the guys he has stationed around the perimeter.

Elle circles back to stand in front of me, cutting off my view of Matteo. I release my first full breath since laying eyes on my fiancé.What is he doing here?Concern draws both of her brows in. “Are you okay?”

It’s a severe shift in mood. I was flying high, coming back from Cincinnati. I skated a clean program and took the gold. The medal still hangs from my neck. Karina insisted we wear them off the plane. Proof I’ve earned my spot to compete at Nationals, the last leg before Olympic team selection.

My vision blurs and I blink a few times to clear it, keeping my eyes on Elle’s face until she comes back into focus. I haven’tconfided in her… not about my family and definitely not about Matteo.

Not because I don’t trust her—I do. I would give anything to confide in her, but telling her the truth only puts her in danger. And if Elle ever got hurt because of me…

“Everything’s fine.” I try my best to mean it, but my voice is an octave too high and my eyes are tight. She gives me a little nod, seeing too much… “Is he your new bodyguard?” Her eyes dart in Matteo’s direction without turning around.

“Something like that…” I mutter before repositioning the strap of my backpack slung over my shoulder before taking a step forward, resuming our procession.

“You’re late,” Is Matteo’s only greeting when we’re close enough to be within earshot.

“Like we can control when the plane lands.” Elle’s laugh is light as she attempts to lift the tense mood with humor.

Matteo’s cold, dead gaze slides her way. Sizing her up. I don’t like it.

I loop my arm through his, drawing his attention back to me. “We should get going.”

“Yes, we should.” He gives a tiny, almost imperceptible nod and one of his guys steps forward out of the crowd to take my bags. Matteo turns and strides for the door.

“I’ll be fine.” I mouth to Elle with a little cringe and hurry after my fiancé, since he’s not waiting for me.

When we slide into the back of the town car, I immediately feel underdressed in my hoodie and leggings. It’s the first time I notice Matteo’s wearing a tux. He sits opposite me, scrolling through his phone as the car pulls out into traffic. “Did you have an event tonight?”

“Wehave an event tonight.” He doesn’t look up from his phone, gesturing absently to a black garment bag hanging behind him.

“Wait, what?” I ask, confused. It’s seven p.m. I just got off a flight after two grueling days of competition. I am in no mood to go to a party.

“The police commissioner Marc Robbins’ fundraiser, is tonight. We’re going.”He finally glances up to look at me.

I blink back at him. “I don’t—Where’s my father? Or Niko? I want to go home. I’m… tired.” My words are careful and I speak them slowly, not trying to set Matteo off.After our last encounter, I don’t think it would take much.

His mouth tilts up in a small smile. He would be handsome if it weren’t for those empty eyes of his. “Since we’re getting married next weekend, your father agreed it would be best if I assumed control of your security until then. You’ll be staying with me. We’ll go home together after the party tonight.” He eyes me over his phone.

A wave of dizziness washes through me at his words—processing them.Next weekend?

Gathering myself, I sit up a little straighter. My mind goes to the cash I have stashed away in my bedroom bookshelf. “But… I’ll need my stuff,” I stutter out, “I have to go home and pack.”

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