Page 100 of Regards, Mia

“Whoever it is, get rid of them,” Mattson says.

I glance at the gun, and sweat beads on my brow. I have to get rid of Jay, or he could get hurt. Eric Mattson is unstable.

I pull open the door a few inches and my heart melts. He's wearing the flowered shirt I bought him. Tiny wings of longing flutter in my chest. Even in the darkness, I can see his hopeful expression. Him wearing that shirt is better than all the bouquets of flowers in the world.

“Hey,” he says. “You never texted.”

I must not have hit send, which works out perfectly. If I'm going to get Jay to leave, it's better I never sent the text telling him to come over.

He glances up at the spotlight over my door. “What happened to your lights?” he asks.

I shake my head, trying to come up with a way to get him out of here so he’s safe. “I don’t know.”

His brows draw together and his chest puffs up like he's ready to go Mr. Fix-it on me.

“I’m tired,” I say, feigning a yawn.

He stands straighter, transferring his helmet from one hand to the other in a betrayal of his nerves.

“We should probably talk,” he says. “We left thingsunfinished.”

Matsson pokes me with the gun, and mouths for me to hurry up. I tear my gaze away from him and look back at Jay.

“Call me later,” I say. Mattson jabs my ribs with the gun, shaking his head. I take a deep breath and smile at Jay. “Maybe tomorrow?”

The hopeful expression on his face turns to frustration. His jaw clenches and he puts a hand on the door to stop me from closing it in his face. “Tomorrow?” he asks. “What's wrong?"

I sigh heavily. I've got to get rid of him so he won’t be in danger. If anything happens to Jay because of me, I'll never forgive myself. I already have Elena rotting in a jail cell because of me. I can't take another tragedy on my soul.

“Nothing I can't handle,” I say.

Jay squints at me, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. He tries to look past my shoulder into the apartment, but I block his view.

“Is someone else there with you?” he asks.

I shake my head quickly, lowering my gaze so he won't see my lie.

“Mia.” His voice is a low grumble. “Don’t lie to me.”

I give him my brightest smile, pleading with him. “Just go, Jay. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

He steps forward, then shakes his head and retreats. “If that’s what you want.”

“That’s for the best.” Part of me is disappointed at how quickly Jay gives up, but the other part is relieved. At least he is out of harm’s way.

As Jay takes another step back into the darkness of the parking lot, Mattson slams the door shut. Grabbing my shoulder, he shoves me toward the kitchen. I stumble over my feet and fall on the hardwood floor of the entryway. A muffled cry escapes my mouth as I land painfully on my side.

Mattson stands over me, pointing the gun straight at my face. “Get up,” he says. “You owe me a glass of wine.” He laughs bitterly. “And my son’s life.”

I get to my feet and make my way into the kitchen, trying tolook as demure as possible. If he thinks I’m helpless, he will underestimate me. And that will be his downfall. At least Jay is safe. As I open the wine and get ready to negotiate my way out of this mess, that’s all that matters.

CHAPTER 41

Instincts Never Steer Me Wrong

What the fuck just happened? I stalk back to my bike, feeling like someone has just knocked me out with a surprise punch. Anger and confusion make my head spin as I approach my bike. Then something prickles on the back of my neck. Something’s not right.

All the lights are on over the doorways of the condos. All except Mia’s. It was working last week, so it’s strange that it’s out.

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