Page 39 of The Kat Bunglar

“She does need to know!” Christian repeated, gripping her armrest in frustration.

“It’s a lot,” Kat protested. “It’s too much! And it’s not our responsibility.”

They tried to lean back in their seats, but the toddlers behind them had turned their chairbacks into punching bags, so instead, they slumped forward, resting their faces in their palms.

Kat should have felt elated. They had pulled it off. Everything had gone according to plan—minus Gabriel, the security alarm, and a classified document they were never supposed to find.

Instead, she felt sick.

Laila Malik was a good person. Every glowing article Kat had ever read about her painted a picture of someone genuine and hardworking. Had Kat been in L.A. so long that she no longer appreciated good people?

“Christian...” Kat’s voice wavered, her eyes suddenly glassy with uncertainty. “I don’t know what to do next.”

Christian shifted in her seat, awkwardly patting Kat’s shoulder.

“Neither do I.”

Present Day

July 10

Chicago

Laila Malik

“Oh my God—Gabriel!” Laila screamed, turning wide, beseeching eyes on Jay, unsure what to do next.

Jay stared at her incredulously. “You know him?”

“Yes! He’s my client. He’s our neighbor. Help me untie him—we have to call the police!” Laila scrambled to unfasten the gag around Gabriel’s mouth. She cupped his face gently. “Gabriel? Gabriel, can you hear me? Jay, can you get me some water and towels?”

Jay scoffed. “Why? Is he planning on giving birth?” He ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. “Laila, what if he’s part of whatever happened here? In case you hadn’t noticed, we’ve been burglarized.” His voice sharpened. “I’m calling our so-called security team and then the police. But I don’t think you should move him or touch anything else.”

“Jay, how can you say that? He’s bruised, and there’s blood on the floor!” Laila’s voice rose. “I know him. He wouldn’t do this. He isn’t capable of hurting me—” she hesitated, then amended quickly, “—us.”

Ignoring Jay, she worked to free Gabriel’s hands and feet, scanning them for cuts and bruises.

Gabriel groaned. His eyes fluttered open.

“Laila?” he murmured, his voice thick with confusion.

“Hi there, it’s me. I’m here. I’m getting you some water.” Laila rushed to the kitchen, returning with a glass. He drank quickly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“There were two girls... they were dressed like Pussycat Dolls... I don’t remember,” he mumbled, his voice fading.

Jay, now in the bedroom, was on the phone with the police. His sudden outburst carried through the apartment.

“Those absolute bastards! They took my watch collection and cufflinks!”

Laila barely reacted. She was focused on Gabriel.

“Let’s get you over to the sofa,” she murmured, helping guide him to his feet.

His weight pressed heavily against her side, his warmth seeping into her skin. Her pulse fluttered. He smelled like soap and musk, his stubble thicker than when she’d last seen him.

A treacherous thought slipped into her mind.I wonder how that would feel against my thighs.

She slapped a hand over her mouth. Had she said that out loud?

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