Page 5 of Corrupted Memories
“And you wouldn’t have met Anna.”
It seems impossible to imagine a life where I didn’t know her. I let out a weary sigh. “Technically Anna doesn’t exist. Her name is Gianna.”
Nico shrugs and then hesitantly adds,“I doubt the girl faked her entire personality.”
I know he’s reluctant to admit that, and unfortunately we won’t know for sure until I see her. The deadly duo walk back in before I can respond, tossing a bag toward the door, which I assume is full of bloodied clothes they need to get rid of.
Cillian slouches into the chair across from me while Cormac leans against the wall with crossed arms.
“Declan says he only needs about two hours' noticebefore you plan to head into the city,” Cillian says, peering longingly at my glass of whiskey.
Sliding the glass closer to him, Nico tops it off and Cillian grins, shooting it back in one gulp.
“It’s so nice to have conversations with men who justget it, you know? The welcome burn after a fresh kill,” he continues with a taunting grin.
I pick at a dust speck on my sleeve and shrug. “I prefer a single shot straight between the eyes. Quick, clean, and I move on with my day.”
Cillian frowns. “From The Butcher’s son? That’s surprising.”
My teeth clench at the nickname, and I force the irritation down as Nico clears his throat.
“Let’s not linger more than necessary. You have a number for the call?”
Cormac stands taller and tosses a burner phone on the table. “It’s the only one programmed.”
Nico grabs it and confirms what he said with a nod.
“That it then?” I say, hoping to get them out of the room sooner rather than later. The Irish and I have a cordial relationship, but their quick tempers can burn bridges faster than you can jump off them.
Cillian sighs. “Actually, there’s onemore thing. Remember the girl we asked you to get into that escort company?”
“Hmm. I passed her information along, but I never met her,” I say, my eyebrows dipping in confusion.
He nods. “Yeah, I know, but no one has heard from her in months. We saw a single photo of her on Luca’s arm, but she hasn’t been able to communicate with us…” He trails off, his jaw tightening as he swallows roughly.
Nico glances between him and Cormac. “You want us to see if we can make contact?”
Cormac shifts on his feet, his gaze not straying from a tense Cillian. “Yes. Rian expressed that we’d be in your debt… if you can.”
I’m stunned, considering this last job was supposed to make us even in our continual back and forth. “I’ll see what I can do.”
They both grunt out a “thanks” before grabbing their bag and slipping out of the room without further discussion. Nico watches them warily until the door clicks shut.
“You think it’s wise? Getting involved in whatever they’re doing with Luca?”
A laugh bursts out of me. “Probably not, but I’ll do anything to fuck with Luca.”
Chapter 2
Gianna
“Jer?”I ask, staring at the dress hanging in the door frame between my room and the bathroom. It wasn’t here before he came over after work. I had barely paid him any attention while finishing up dinner.
“Don’t be mad,” he says, coming to wrap his arms around my waist.
“When you say that, I’m already irritated.” I huff, unable to peel my eyes away from the dress. It’s gorgeous, dark red and silky, and I know it would fit me like a dream. But it also fills me with dread because I know what’s going to come with it, and I’m not sure I want to leave the house.
“There’s a company party tonight. Most of the managing partners from other citiesflew in.” He kisses the side of my head. “I would appreciate it if my beautiful girlfriend would join me.”
