Page 86 of Vicious Seduction

Amelie was alive, really truly alive.

This was what you prayed for—the girl who doesn’t pray—stop sniveling and go get her!

I wiped at my tears, a maniacal laugh bubbling past my lips. “Oh my God. Okay. Try to forget you saw that.”

“No reason to be embarrassed about crying.” He gave me a pointed look and waited until I nodded my acknowledgment. “As for your sister, you need to keep in mind that she may not recover her memories. I saw her, but I didn’t talk to her. I have no idea about her mental condition.”

“I don’t care. I’m just so relieved she’s alive.”

He nodded. “Before we go back out there, you need to decide whether you want your mother to know.”

I froze, eyes going wide. “I have no idea.”

“Then let’s not say anything for now. No reason for her to know.”

I nodded, so relieved to have someone helping me for once.

“I know you probably want to see her right away, but she was leaving her apartment when I saw her, so she might still be out. Plus, it takes an hour to get over there, and two strangers showing up at her door at night might freak her out. I think it would be best to wait until morning.”

“Okay.” I frowned. What he said made sense, but I felt like I’d already waited so long. Another twelve hours sounded like an eternity.

We went back out to the living room, where Oran had a quiet word with Conner.

I rushed over to Noemi, tears flooding my eyes again. “My sister is alive. He’s taking me to her in the morning. I can’t even believe it, but Oran says it’s true.”

“Oh, honey. I’m so happy for you!” She wrapped me in a hug.

“Don’t tell Eliza, though.”

Noemi zipped her lips. “I wasn’t planning on going in there at all.”

“You ready, Lina?” Oran called.

I wassoready. I jumped up and followed him out, calling goodbye to Conner and Noemi.

He shot me a glance. “No questions or last-minute instructions?”

“Nah. I trust you.” A smitten grin danced across my face.

Oran pulled me to his side and kissed my forehead. “Goddamn, it wasn’t a fluke. My girlissweet when she’s happy.”

I elbowed him in the gut.

“And feisty and impatient and sexy as hell,” he added playfully.

“Don’t you forget it.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He wove his fingers in mine, and I swore my heart went full-on Grinch and tripled in size.

I didn’t get my ramen, but Oran picked up a pizza for us on the way home. I never did have to occupy myself that evening. As it turned out, when you were engaged to a sexy Irish gangster, killing time wasn’t a problem. I was out like a light, naked and sated, not long after dinner. I didn’t even stir until morning.

Please don’t vomit. Please don’t vomit. Please don’t vomit.

Saying I was nervous was like calling Mt. Everest a lovely little hill. I’d spilled my coffee at breakfast, stubbed my toe getting dressed, then forgot my purse when we left the house.I didn’t even remember the damn thing until we were half an hour into the ride.

Oran said he’d seen Amelie, but I couldn’t help worry that it wasn’t really her. And even if it was her, what if she didn’t remember me? What on earth was I supposed to say?

Every minute that passed brought my meager breakfast closer to finding its way back up and out. By the time we stood at her door, there was a real chance I would pass out.

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