Theo doesn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
“Couldn’t that get you in trouble?” I lift a brow in question.
“No, I told my captain.”
“You wearing a wire?”
He grins. “Why? You want to strip-search me?” His shoulder nudges mine, sending flutters throughout my stomach.
“I’m only getting a feel for how much longer you plan on living.”
“Oh, I plan to get a feel, Aria.”
Blushing, I whisper, “We shouldn’t be doing this.” I scan the room, making sure no one is paying attention to us.
“You’re worth the risk,” he says over his drink, looking me straight in the eyes. He holds my attention for a moment before arrogantly walking away.
CHAPTER 20
Ican’t helpbut watch every single move of Katrina’s over the next few days. Lori is right—something is up with her. I pray it’s not drugs.
“You all right, Aria?” my father asks. I hadn’t realized he walked into the room.
“Hmmm, what?”
“Everything all right? Theo Fox isn’t causing trouble for you, is he?”
“Who? Theo?” I pause like I have to recall who he is. “No. I didn’t realize he was someone who we paid off.”
My father studies me. “I could use a guy like him. But no. He’s refused all our offers.”
“That’s rare, someone who you can’t buy.”
“It’s all part of the game. Everyone has a currency. I just need to figure out what his is.”
“Have you seen Katrina?” I ask, trying to pretend my question is unimportant.
“I thought she was out back.”
“I haven’t checked there yet,” I lie. I want to tell him what I think I know about my sister. It’s on the tip of my tongue.But what if I’m wrong?Then Katrina and who knows who else will be punished. If I’m right, my father will kill Frank and anyone else associated with him. What if Lori’s mom is there when my father raids the place? He wouldn’t spare any junkie’s life if it means risking his own.
I head out, pretending to look for Katrina around the pool, while my father watches me. When I can no longer feel his eyes, I head toward the front of my car.
Every other second, I’m looking over my shoulder, trying to see if I’ve been followed. With a constant beat, my fingers tap on the steering wheel, as I drive toward the city to where Frank is known to hang out. If our city has a “wrong side of the tracks,” it’s here. Few people walk down the street, and the ones who do look tough as hell.
I head toward the two buildings. A hand grabs me from behind and spins me around. Theo is standing in his cop uniform. “What are you doing over here?”
“It’s none of your concern, Theo.”
His eyes warm slightly. “This area isn’t safe. There was a call in about someone walking around waving a gun.”
“Sounds like a typical day in my life.”
“Don’t get all sassy on me.” He steps into me, his chest touching mine. He keeps an arrogant smirk on his lips. I can tell he likes my attitude. His eyes light up whenever I talk back to him. The tension around us prickles my skin. We both stand our ground, not wanting to be the first one to give in. Our power struggle adds to the foreplay of chemistry surrounding us.
Standing toe-to-toe, I then concede and step back. “I’m seeing if my sister might be around here. That’s all.”
“Why are you looking and not someone else?” He takes on this demanding tone that pleases me way too much.