Page 85 of Bitter Arrangement

It feels easy, like it’s supposed to.

My stomach bubbles with nervous excitement. He glances at me and smiles a bit. “What?” he asks. “You’re staring at me.”

“Just thinking, that’s all.” I stretch and sigh. “I probably shouldn’t ask, but would you do me a favor?”

“Anything. You know that.”

“Would you come meet with my brother?”

He stops rubbing my feet. I kick him lightly to make him start again. “Why would you need that?”

“He’s in trouble. I think we can help him.”

“Riley—”

“I’m not asking you to do anything but talk to him.”

He sighs and nods. “I can do that. I already asked my crew to dig into Los Sombras. Maybe they’ll come back with something useful.”

“Seriously? You did that?”

“He’s my brother-in-law, and you’re my wife. This is what family does.”

I lean forward, stretching my leg, and kiss him. “Thank you.”

“Now that you’re feeling grateful—” He glances over his shoulder, expression darkening. “How about we discuss the sheer amount of pink in my living room?”

“Ourliving room,” I correct, grinning. “And maybe I can tone it down.”

Although I really doubt I will.

Chapter31

Alexan

Idrive over to Riley’s old house and park out front. She hesitates before getting out, frowning at the front door. “Does it feel strange now?” I ask her.

“It shouldn’t, but it does. I mean, how long have we been married? It feels like it’s been forever.”

“I know what you mean.”

“This was my home for a long time. I didn’t want to leave, and now I can’t imagine coming back.”

“It’s strange how fast life can change.” I push my door open and get out.

She follows, and we head inside together. “Brenden?” she calls out. I head into the kitchen to wait while she checks upstairs for her brother.

The house is in good shape. It’s slightly messy, but her father clearly did well for himself. I don’t know much about the man except that he’s well-respected in the McGrath organization. He’s got a reputation for ruthlessness on the streets, which makes a lot of sense.

“I’m not sure where he is.” Riley comes trudging down the steps, looking worried. “I thought he’d stick around the house for a while.”

“I’m sure he’s okay.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” She takes out her phone and starts texting. “But I’m going to ask around anyway in case someone knows where he’s at.”

The back door opens as she sends out her messages. I’m on edge until her father trudges in through the mudroom and pauses to frown at us both. He glances at her, then at me, clearly surprised to see us. He’s got a bag of groceries under one arm.

“Not going to offer to help?” he says sharply to Riley.

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