Page 78 of For Wrath and Redemption
My lip curls and my eyes narrow. I don’t like that I’ve been so easy to read. I don’t like it at all. Then his eyes widen.
“Did you sleep with her?”
Warning bells sound in my head.Danger! Danger! Danger!
I hide a lot of shit from Torren, but I’m usually open about who I fuck. This time, though...
This time it’s different.
Telling the truth would do nothing to me. Everyone knows I’m a slut, anyway. But it could seriously fuck shit up for Claire. If it got back to Hammond, he’d fire her. He’d probably tell my dad. If my dad found out, I don’t want to think about what he’d do to her career. My dad is a vengeful, heartless bastard. It’s one of the few things we have in common.
“No.”
The lie rolls off my tongue smoothly. I keep my tone flat, but a hint of disappointment creeps in, and I realize it’s not fake. Torren probably takes it to mean I want to fuck her and can’t. But it actually means I did, and I’m disappointed I’ll never get to do it again.
I drop my head to my basket of fish and chips. I sprinkle more vinegar on what’s left of my fries, just so I have something else to do, then stick my hand under my thigh so I stop picking at my fucking thumb.
I wonder if she’s having fun. Is she exploring Edinburgh or is she just chilling in her hotel room? Is she eating? Has she met someone? The chain of thought makes my chest ache, but then my phone rings. The number on the screen just makes me angrier.
“I gotta take this.” I wave my phone as I slide out of the booth. “I’m finished, so I’ll just meet you outside.”
I don’t let Torren respond. I head straight for the door of the pub with my head down. Once outside, I glance at José.
“You can give me some space, José. It’s just a phone call.”
He nods, and I walk down the street away from him. When I’m at a safe distance, I answer.
“Yeah?”
“Jonah.”
“Dad.” I take my cigarettes out of my pocket, place one between my lips, and light it. “What do you want?”
“I’m calling in regard to Ms. Davis.”
My spine snaps straight. My defenses on high alert. “What about her?”
“I’d like to speak with her. I’ve been unable to get through to her phone.”
I take a drag from my cigarette. “Huh. Weird.”
“Yes.” He sighs. “I would like to speak with her.”
If my mind weren’t a chaotic mess of thoughts, I’d be pleased that I’ve annoyed him. Instead, as usual these days, my focus is on Claire. Is she okay? Is something wrong?
“Jonah.”
“Hm?”
“Ms. Davis. I need to speak to her.”
“Hold.”
I take the phone away from my ear and pull up my text thread with Claire.
Me
Hey. You alive?
