Page 26 of Diamonds & Deception

It’s a little after eleven when Avery leaves. I watch from the window as she climbs in the Uber and waves. My head is spinning, or is that the apartment? I’m not sure, but I’m drunk. Drunker than I was two nights ago atThe Club. Hell, I drank three nights in a row. That’s more than I’ve had all year.

And I had crazy, wild sex with Drake two nights ago. That was more sex than I’ve had all year as well.

Party life and sex life-one. Closer to finding Carly’s murderer-zero.

CHAPTER SIX

The construction outsidemy window is exceptionally loud this morning. Hell. I don’t remember the city doing construction on this road. All I know is it’s been pounding away at my fragile skull for the past five hours.

Or five minutes. Or five seconds. I don’t know. It seems like forever.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand, adding to the ache behind my eyes. Why can’t everyone leave me alone? I blindly reach for my cell and bring it to my face. One eye is squished into my pillow, and my vision is fuzzy, but I make out the caller.

Drake.

“‘Lo.”

“Did I wake you?”

“Mmm.” I close my eyes, thankful the construction workers stopped their buzzing and pounding.

“Will you let me in?”

“In?”

“I’ve been ringing the bell for the past ten minutes. Finally, one of your neighbors let me up. I’m at your door. Haven’t you heard me knocking?”

“I thought you were the construction guys,” I mumble, half into the pillow, half into the phone.

“Are you feeling okay, Nora?” His voice softens with concern.

“No.”

“Let me in so I can take care of you.”

“Hang on.” I hang up and roll out of bed to scrounge for a sweatshirt. When I open my front door, I’m greeted by a concerned and possibly grumpy Drake.

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