Page 191 of Risks of Temptation
36
Emilia
Malin's heartthumps harder into my back. He tightens his arm around my waist and says, "We will explain everything."
Naomi steps closer to us like a vicious cat ready to pounce on its prey. "What have you subjected my sister to?"
I jab her in the chest. "Don't talk to my husband like I'm not even here or incapable of making any decisions on my own."
Andre clears his throat and sets his hands on Naomi's shoulders. "Naomi, let everyone inside. You and Emilia can talk in private."
Her face reddens in anger, and her voice gets louder. "No. I want to know right now why there is a collar with your name on it and a leash around my sister's neck."
Andre loudly and forcefully says, "Naomi—"
"Josie!" Julieta pushes past Andre and looks as if she's seen a ghost.
Josie's tears fall again, and she gasps for air.
Andre pulls Naomi back into the house. "Everyone come inside. But keep it down. The girls are sleeping."
"Girls?" I ask. "Millie and Josie's daughter are here, right?"
Andre nods. "Yes."
I put my hand over my heart. "Thank God." Kalim said they were, but I needed the extra confirmation.
Naomi continues to glare at Malin. Andre holds her shoulders.
"Gustave. Bernadette. It's good to see you. Come in," Andre says.
Malin's body stiffens at the mention of Gustave's name.
We all step inside, except Josie and Julieta, who don't move. Ryker comes into the room. "Julie—" He stares at all of us. "Malin. Good to see you."
Malin nods. "You, too."
His eyes glance over me and pause at my neck and the leash. He locks eyes with Malin. "We'll talk later."
"Yes," Malin replies.
"Okay, then." Ryker pats his back and moves Julieta outside and shuts the door.
Naomi steps forward and tries to take my hand, but I snatch it away.
"Do not touch me right now."
She gapes at me. "Why? What have I done?"
"I am not a child. You have also been disrespectful to my husband."
"Ma belle—"
I spin. "No. She isn't going to do this."
"Do what?" Naomi asks.
"This. What you always do."
