Page 89 of Lethal Vows

What the fuck is happening?

Crue.

That’s what happened.

That’s what seems to always be the common denominator.

But considering only a few hours ago, I shot him in the leg, I can’t exactly ask him for answers.

Assuming he’s still alive, that is.

CHAPTER58

Rya

Isit across from Angel.

I’m pissed off.

But I am trying to be as reasonable as I can in hopes that I don’t seriously stress a woman who’s about to give birth at any moment.

“He’s fine, just in case you wanted to know,” Angel offers as she picks at her fries. We’re having Five Guys again. This time, it’s just the two of us—and two bodyguards.

“I didn’t,” I reply. “How did you think I would agree to something like that?” I try to watch my accusatory tone.

“I told him you wouldn’t go for it. Trust me, I made the point loud and clear. But you know what he’s like.”

I breathe out a frustrated sigh. My nails click against the table in clear agitation, not at her but at this situation I find myself in now.

“I’m pretty sure he’s in love with you,” she says softly.

A cruel laugh creeps from my throat, and she stares at me as if I’m half-crazed. “The only thing Crue Monti cares about is power and where he can get more of it.”

She winces at my words. “The guy’s an ass. I am not going to defend him. But I’m also going to call you out on your shit as well.” She points an accusative finger at me. “Sex? That’s all you thought it was? Please. I have stood in the room with you two on more than one occasion. You can’t keep your eyes off each other. You are both like magnets drawn to each other with an insatiable need. He’s always mentioned you since you met as teenagers. You might’ve forgotten about him, but he most certainly didnotforget about you.

“I’ve known Crue for almost fifteen years now, and granted, I still don’t like him much.” She pops a fry in her mouth. “But he’s the uncle of my daughter. And he was becoming different with you around. Softer even.”

I want to laugh at the thought of Crue as anything less than cruel. But what right did I have? She’s known him longer than I have. And me? Well, I was nothing but a season. And I sure as hell made sure of that.

“If you’re trying to convince me to rekindle things with him, it’s not going to work. I won’t step back into that world.”

“Ironic, wouldn’t you say, considering you became a criminal lawyer? I don’t think you’ve stepped that far away from our world at all.”

“Ouch.” Angel sure as hell isn’t pulling any punches tonight. Not that I care—we never did with each other—but it jumbles my thoughts around the situation. Had I, at some point, been out of place? No. My nails have turned into a rapid drumming on the table now.

No.

He’s a killer.

A criminal.

An obsessed stalker.

Crue Monti is an absolute no-go zone. Hot as fuck or not.

“And besides, I don’t think you have to worry about him trying anything with you anymore. He’s already left for the airport. He’s going back home.”

My tapping on the table stops. “For real?” And instantly, there are mixed feelings in my stomach of sweet relief and something else I refuse to acknowledge. “Good. Finally.” I throw my hands up in celebration. “Now I can continue with my life like none of this ever happened.” I didn’t expect him to go running after I shot him. I supposed that was a good enough reason for a normal person to leave, but this is Crue we’re talking about. Somehow I have ended up looking like the crazy person in this situation?

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