Page 105 of Bitter Arrangement

“You don’t get to treat me like shit anymore,” I say, breathless as I stand in front of the door. “You don’t mean anything anymore.”

“You stupid little bitch,” he snaps. “What kind of shit did that husband of yours tell you? I protected you from the world. I made you comfortable. I fucking spoiled you?—”

“And belittled me, told me I was worthless, made me feel small. I was your fucking punching bag for years. You wanted me around to make you feel better, but I’m gone now, and I’m not coming back.”

“Yeah, go ahead, run away. Go running to your shitty husband. Let him see how you’re nothing. You’re nothing, Riley!”

“Fuck you, Dad.” I stare at him as a cold certainty rushes through me. “From here on out, act like I’m dead.”

“Happily.”

I turn and leave the house, slamming the door behind me.

Alexan’s out of the car the second I’m down the stoop. He comes rushing over, his face caught between anger and concern. “What happened?” he asks, reaching into his jacket for his gun. “Did something happen? Are you okay?”

“It’s fine,” I say, pushing his hand away from his weapon. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

I grab him and crush my mouth to his. I kiss him hard, sloppy and hungry, and let that kiss linger. He returns it, his hands on my hips.

“It’s just my dad,” I say quietly, leaning against him.

“Not sure I want you talking about your father after kissing me like that.”

I slap him lightly. “He was just being his usual asshole self, but I stood up to him.”

“You did?” He strokes a hand down my back. “Honestly now?”

“I did.” I smile a little. “Told him to fuck off.”

“Really?” He laughs lightly and squeezes me. “I’m proud of you.”

“I meant it too. He’s dead to me.”

“That’s my fucking girl.” He kisses me again, and we head into the car together. He puts his hand on mine as he drives. “I’m proud of you.”

“I’m proud of myself, honestly.” I laugh lightly, feeling giddy and free for the first time in my life. “I’ve never, ever talked to him like that before.”

“He doesn’t matter anymore. If you don’t want him in your life, he’s gone. You know that, right?”

I shift to study my husband. The solid lines of his face. The cold strength in his eyes.

“I know that now,” I say softly. “Because I have a home with you.”

“You’re damn right you do.”

Chapter39

Alexan

Riley’s voice is low and calm in my ear. “Are you in position?”

I crouch down in the narrow alley. My boot’s in something wet. “I’m good.”

“We’re in the system.” Daron’s voice now. I halfway expected him to give me shit for bringing my wife on this job, but he didn’t say anything when she climbed into the van. “Give me a minute to drop the security.”

“Eric here. I’ve got eyes on Navarro.” There’s loud music in the background of wherever Eric’s chiming in from. “He’s, uh, heading into a strip club.”

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