Page 138 of SINS & Riley
Is that Dominic? Hard to tell through the door. Raise your damn voice, buddy—I’m trying to snoop over here.
And who the hell is she?
“You want her here? At the house?” Dominic sounds surprised, and whoever he's talking to is letting his question hang in the air.
The reply comes low, muffled, just out of reach. But it’s clear enough to know he’s not on the phone.
It’s Zver. Dominic’s talking to Zver. So who the hell are they talking about?
Ugh. Their entire conversation is maddeningly faint.
Please, Zver, by all means, shout the house down. Any time now.
Silence stretches. Long. Sharp. My nerves start to spark. I press my ear so hard against the door it’s bound to leave a dent.
Then their voices dip even lower, like they’ve drifted to the far end of the room. For all I know, Zver’s whispering state secrets into the floorboards.
And then, clear as a bell, Dominic’s voice. “And what about Riley?”
My heart stutters, then slams to a stop. Yes, what about me?
I press myself so hard against this damn door, like if I try just a little bit harder, I’d be able to shove my whole skull right through the wood.
Zver’s answer slithers out, calm as glass, agonizingly smooth.
“Riley is my business.”
A pause.
Then the twist of the blade.
“I’ll take care of Riley. Once I make sure she’s gone, I’ll meet back here… with her.”
My stomach drops.
Gone?
And for… her?
I don’t know who the fuck his mystery woman is, and I don’t care.
That’s it.
I throw the doors open wide. “What’s going on?”
The demand rips out of me as I take in the scene. And I stare.
Three dozen roses are front and center on the kitchen table. Along with a spread of food—prosciutto-wrapped melon, strawberries and cream, croissants with apricot jam, espresso still steaming.
And… my suitcase. Sitting by the kitchen island.
The floor flies out from under my feet.
I’d torn through it last night, ripping it apart to grab my charger and toothbrush without waking Zver. Pretty much dumped everything out like a raccoon in a trash can, swearing I’d put it all away today.
Apparently, someone decided there was no need.
Now it’s zipped. Perfect. Neat as a fucking pin.
