Page 9 of Heart Thief

“Yes, let one of us know right away,” Ryker confirms.

“He was at his father’s side for about a month after his stroke.” Debra sighs loudly. “Then he up and left him, going off to do whatever it is that he does.” She waves her hand in the air, physically dismissing Zane’s actions as insignificant. “He needs to come and see his father. It’s shameful the way he ignores his family.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Ryker squeezes my hand. “He won’t show up. But if by some odd twist of fate he did, Mom’s right, don’t trust him. Never trust Zane. He’s not a good person, but he makes a great first impression. That’s why he’s dangerous.”

I nod. I actually feel a bit of sympathy for Zane. His mother and brother talk about him as if they don’t like him. What did he do to make them feel this way? He must be bad news, the black sheep of the family. Honestly, he sounds suspiciously like his mother. This is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

“Ryker tells me you don’t have any family drama, that your childhood was quite normal.”

Debra makes it sound like a crime. If so, I’m guilty. “Yeah, my parents are great.”

“Aren’t you lucky?” I detect anger, instead of praise. Debra downs her hot tea in a few gulps, reminding me of a drunk man drinking a shot in a bar. Her tongue and throat have to be scalded. Further proof that she’s not really human. Just as I suspected.

My secure home life has given me the confidence I need to face the world and go after my dreams. The thing is, it’s a myth that a career focused woman doesn’t need or want love, or home and hearth. I want both. I’ve always felt like I have a team of people cheering me on in the background. I recognize how fortunate I am, but at the same time, I won’t apologize for it.

“We’d better get going,” I tell Ryker. “I have an early morning tomorrow.” I cast Debra a sly glance, tempted to poke the beast. “My hobby keeps me busy.”

“I’m sure it does,” she returns, unfazed. “That’s what hobbies are for, dear.”

We stand, and Debra says, “You know, Mila, you really are a beautiful young woman. The combination of black hair and blue eyes is quite striking on you.”

Surprised, I thank her, feeling touched by the sentiment.

“No, really. There’s just something about you that screams beauty. I can’t get over it.”

I’m speechless. She’s not usually so effusive. Maybe I’m all wrong about her. “Thank you, I appreciate that.”

She puts her hands on her hips. “I mean, you’re just not the pale, lifeless thing you were when I first met you. It’s amazing how much Ryker has changed you.”

Oh.

Freddy is alive and well. And in full attack mode.

Ryker clears his throat. “Well, that’s what love will do for a person, right, Mila?”

I glance at Ryker’s handsome face and force a smile. “Right.” For an odd moment, I feel as though I’m standing with strangers, like I don’t belong here. Like I’m in the enemy camp. I shift uncomfortably, ready to make my exit.

Sweet Debra returns on a dime. “Have a good night, you two. Thanks for stopping by. It means so much to your father.”

“Have a good night,Debbie. Thanks for the tea.” My smile is saccharine sweet.

She immediately says, “It’s Debra.”

I know.

It’s taken me a while to understand her, but now that I do, I’m up for the challenge.

Freddy: 10

Mila: 1

It’s on.

chapter four

~

ONCE WE’RE OUTSIDEamidst the perfectly landscaped and well-lit exterior of Ryker’s childhood home, he takes me in his arms and holds me close. I love being held by him in this sweet and tender manner.

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