Page 8 of Heart Thief

Or she could have simply forwarded the email, but I don’t say that out loud.

We follow her to the office, where she hands Ryker a file folder.

“Thanks, Mom.” He opens the folder, peruses the contents, scoffs, and snaps it shut. “By the way, Mila has agreed to be the caretaker of my apartment while I’m gone.”

My mind reacts with a skidding halt.

Caretaker? Is that what I am? Earlier, he made it sound like he was doing me a favor by letting me stay in his apartment. Is it really the other way around?

I suppose it’s mutually beneficial. I’m not crazy about being called the caretaker, though. I’m his girlfriend and future wife caring for our future home, a home that I will one day blast with some serious color.

“That’s a relief. It’s not good to leave a home unattended for a long period of time, and Mila will take good care of it. Besides, Mila needs a job.”

Ah, Freddy makes an appearance again. Those teeth are sharp.

Ryker wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Mila has a job and has done quite well for herself, Mom.”

“Oh, come now. Playing the piano is a hobby.” Debra heads for the stairs.

“Playing with a symphony is hardly a hobby,” Ryker says as we follow like lambs to the slaughter. He mouths the wordsorryto me.

I’m glad he noticed. Most of the time he seems a tad oblivious to his mother’s cutting remarks. Or maybe he’s used to them and doesn’t let her faze him. I’m not sure. I’ve never brought it up because I don’t want to talk trash about his mother. Ryker adores her. He’s a late bloomer when it comes to that horrible childhood moment when you realize your mother isn’t perfect.

“I’m about to have some tea, would you join me?”

Again, Debra doesn’t pause to hear our answer. She simply heads for the living room and takes a seat. In truth, it isexpectedthat we join her.

She’s a piece of work. I’m not sure how Ryker turned out remotely normal. As my future mother-in-law, Debra will be a permanent fixture in my life. But I’m marrying Ryker one day, not her. And he’s pretty darn amazing in all of his polite, careful, and classy ways. I can put up with her, as long as I have Ryker by my side.

Even if I do have to explain jokes to him. Every time.

We take our seats on the couch and Ryker holds my hand. We share a small smile. Their private cook brings out a tray with three steaming mugs of herb tea.

Debra picks up her mug. “It’s chamomile. Helps me sleep at night.”

Maybe because she needs a break from her nagging conscience, the one that’s trying to tell her to play nicely with others.

I take a sip. “It’s soothing. Thank you.”

She doesn’t comment on the sparkly ring on my finger that makes me look like an engaged woman. I find that odd. She probably already knows it’s a promise ring. Ryker discusses everything with his mother. I don’t want to come between them, but when we marry, I hope he’ll cleave unto me and me alone. Three’s a crowd. I think that’s a discussion we need to have in the near future. Long before marriage. Regardless, one of the things I love about him is how much he loves his mother. It says a lot about him.

Debra cuts to the chase. “Have you told her about Zane? She needs to know.”

“Zane?” I say. “His brother. Yes, of course.” I mean, I know he exists, but Ryker doesn’t talk about him. Like ever.

“For some reason, Ryker thought it was a good idea to let Zane stay with him the last few times he was in town. Don’t ask me why.” Debra’s face contorts into a mask of distaste.

Ryker speaks up. “Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. I liked knowing what he was up to.”

“Your brother’s your enemy?” I ask, surprised by his words. I hero-worship my older brother, Martin. He’s always been my biggest champion.

“He’s not trustworthy,” Debra spouts, her face turning red. “Tell her, Ryker. Mila needs to be warned that he might show up at your penthouse uninvited and that she should never trust him.”

“He will?” If I have to be warned, it doesn’t sound like a good situation.

“He pops in every now and again. No worries. He won’t show up. He’s overseas at the moment, traipsing the globe like the irresponsible person he is. He thinks he’s out saving the world, but really he’s just a nomad, never staying in one place for long, always restless and easily bored.”

Debra adds her two cents. “He can’t be trusted. He’s always been jealous of Ryker and tries to undermine him every chance he gets. If he shows up, let me or Ryker know right away, Mila. We will take care of it. Don’t try to deal with him yourself.”

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