Page 111 of The Daredevil

Michelle:It seems to be a lot more. She blew you a kiss. Did she blow you somewhere else? Don’t wanna know.

I could sense the anger in her messages.

Royce:Calm down. You’ll understand everything in a few days.

Michelle:Go to hell. I’m done with cheating men. Leave me alone.

Her words cleaved my heart in two. My body jerked from the shock and pain. I felt my body fall apart like overcooked meat sliding off, leaving the bone bare. I collapsed onto my couch, clutching my chest. I hadn’t felt this much anguish in so long.

She meant it. She was done with me.

I sat for a long moment, trying to piece myself together. Shit had to get done, and I’d explain everything to her later. I loved her too much to risk her safety.

I thought back to a few days ago when I overheard her conversation where she’d threatened Fiona to get her to leave me alone.

My angel was trying to protect me. Love and pride had surged through me when I heard her voice over the phone. I’d been having a conversation with Fiona, finalizing the plan for tomorrow, when Michelle unexpectedly disrupted the call. I had been on the line, listening to everything.

Working with Fiona was the last thing I wanted, but she had tickets for tomorrow’s private gathering that I had to attend. Helping me was her pass out of the mess she’d caused with Brittany, who had been off her meds for some time. She’d also dated Dominic.

I had no doubt Dominic showed Brittany how to stay under the radar. The Icelandic police were working with the US officials to search for her. Brittany had several residences in New England and California. She could be anywhere.

There were so many possible scenarios where I could confront Dominic. My initial method would have been to surprise him after work, show up at his gym, or wait for him after his doctor’s visit. These scenes ended with me beating the shit out of him. But after careful consideration, I decided patience yielded better results. Every scientist knew time and dedication were crucial.

I’d been watching Dominic, reviewing his past and present. The PI had delivered helpful information which offered me new insight into his vendetta against me. Phone records from Dominic’s private number showed he’d been the phony vendor conversing with Einar, trying to sabotage Excursions for You. Still, an established police officer with a beautiful wife and two sons like him should forget the scuffles from the past.

Despite the pros and cons weighing in my head, Dominic was the chief of police now, and he could create more issues for me. I didn’t need any more fires to put out.

With enough information on hand, I could blindside him and rattle his mental state.

Fiona didn’t have anything to do with harming Michelle. Fiona’s words and personality made her the perfect substitute—the scapegoat for all the wrongdoings. She didn’t know I had already cleared her, but I needed leverage. If she helped me, I’d keep her name out of the files I’d soon offer to the authorities.

With me researching Dominic, it made sense that he had men following me too. For that reason, I didn’t want to risk them finding out about Michelle. My aunt and Michelle were the most important women in my life. If I kept my distance from them, Dominic would assume I lived only for myself.

He could target me and leave everyone else alone.

Michelle had misunderstood me. I loved her. And I had to refrain from saying those words because if I gave her hope, it would have hurt her more during the past month with me staying away.

There was no other woman for me. She was my soul.

I’d explain everything to her after tomorrow.

CHAPTERSIXTY-ONE

ROYCE

Dressedin my slacks and my Robert Graham shirt, I accompanied Fiona—who wore a blue dress—to an elite country club reserved for Dominic’s birthday.

The hostess with red hair checked our tickets, glanced at Fiona, and smiled at her. “It’s great to see you again. How are your parents?”

“They’re wonderful, Annabelle. Thanks for asking.”

Annabelle looked at me and grinned. “Have a good time.”

Two more couples came up behind us, and we broke off from the check-in desk. I observed the fancy decorations that made me think of a wedding reception. Someone stationed birthday balloons around the large dining area. A band had set up on the side of a stage. People stood around tables drinking cocktails or nibbling on finger foods.

Did adults still have birthday celebrations like this? I’d been to a fiftieth or eightieth celebration because they were pivotal milestones in one’s life, but nothing in between, especially this extravagant. Outrageous birthday parties were for kids or men who still needed attention. Just my opinion.

A group of women waved at Fiona, and she offered me a nod, signifying I was on my own and that her deal with me had been fulfilled.

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