Page 26 of Addicted Lies

“And why does it have to be a woman?” Jewel asks pointedly.

I step in for my brother because articulating himself objectively has never been his strong suit. “Poison is usually used by someone who doesn’t want confrontation, whether that be they’re hiding their identity, or they feel weaker if it were to be a physical confrontation. Gender aside, this is a new security guard. He was most likely targeted at the bar after his shift. Those who have been working for Eli for a while know not to drink while they’re on the clock.” To Eli, I ask, “Have you looked through the video footage?”

I look up and see Jewel staring at me.

My eyebrows dip. “What?”

“I don’t think I’ve heard you say so much at one time before.”

“He’s super smart, right?” Hawke adds.

“More like saving your ass from sounding like an asshole,” Eli corrects. Not that I think Eli’s any better. “But we’re going through the footage now, and I’m going over his files to see if it was an attack against him personally or us. I just wanted you to both be made aware so you can keep an eye out. If there’s a repeat of this, there might be someone targeting my life.”

Jewel clicks her tongue. “What a big fucking surprise there.”

“Jealous someone else might beat you to it, wife?” Eli challenges.

She grins, and it’s sadistic. “I’ll put a bullet in anyone who tries to do that, husband. That’smyjob.”

The sexual tension between them is palpable, and I stand. “Hawke and I’ll check the footage in your office and make sure this is cleaned up.” I look at the body again. Those two are about to rip at one another, and I’m not here for the show.

But more than likely, someone is after Eli. It’s not the first time someone has tried to take out the mafia boss, and it won’t be the last. But it’s my and Hawke’s job to make sure that doesn’t fucking happen.

Long nights and getting home at unusual times aren’t abnormal for me. I don’t return until ten in the morning, and a selfish part of me hopes Billie is still here. But the logical part of me that warns me to put distance between us is telling me she won’t be. I head to my room first. The bed is made, a few of the painkiller tablets have been taken, and the electrolyte drink is gone.

I lean against the doorframe with my arms folded, picturing her there last night. I wonder what time she snuck out and how much she remembers. I hear a small hiss and turn to my left to see the feral little monster slowly stepping toward me.

I sigh. How the fuck did I end up with this thing?

That’s when I notice the note at the end of the bed. I pick it up, recognizing her handwriting.

Make sure to feed Felix.

P.S. I stole one of your shirts after I vomited on myself.

Thanks xx

When did she vomit on herself?

A deep sigh escapes me. This girl may very well be the death of me. I go to the kitchen, and the little monster follows me. I see the cat food on the counter and one of my bowls on the floor, full of water.

I look between the tin and the cat, confused. How much does a kitten even eat?

CHAPTER 11

Billie

I’m nursing the biggest fucking headache of my life and embracing my mortification. I skipped our hot yoga class this morning, and instead, I’m grumbling my complaint in my living room with the shades closed as I nurse a bowl of popcorn while trying to watch TV. But so far, all I’ve managed to do is switch through multiple shows, not processing at all what’s happening because my thoughts keep drifting to a certain grumpy killer.

I consider texting him to say thank you or sorry or how’s Felix, but every time I pick up my phone, I put it back down. Ford and I don’t text. It’s like a silent rule. I have to remind myself that we’re just fucking.

Well, you didn’t get any fucking done last night when you passed out in his car and woke up in his bed.

And the cat…

I slap my forehead.

The front door bursts open, and Ivy skips inside, wearing the same clothes she had on last night. “What a fucking night!”

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