Even though his steps are light and barely audible, I still know he’s there. Sometimes the doorknob even turns just a little before slowly releasing it back. While other times I’d want him just to come in here and stop torturing himself, I’ve been grateful for the space. My so-called hubby only enters when Cairo sends him on a run to drop my breakfast, lunch, or dinner off, giving him something to do and a chance to see me.
However, each meal goes back untouched.
Except yesterday when Oz apparently had enough and ordered me toeat.
I did.
A little.
“I want him, Astor,” Levi claims evenly. “I’m not going to let Wildes have all the fun. He took a shot at both of us. I think that deserves a little reunion.”
“You’re just looking for a reason to come out.”
“Amongst other things.”
“Something…doesn’t feel right. There’s no way he got caught like that.”
“Are you doubting your boy?” Levi’s shitty attitude doesn’t hit where he wants it to because I’m too exhausted to care.
“Don’t move yet,” I emit. “If we just went through all this trouble…let me make sure this isn’t some fucked-up joke. Stay where you are.”
“He just tried tokillyou, Astor.”
“Fully aware.”
“And he just about killedme.”
“Levi, shut the fuck up,” I grind out. “Let me think.” He remains silent, giving me the respite of peace I need because all of this…it makes zero sense. “Don’t move. Trust me on this. I’ll let you have your shot. This—Matteo doesn’t get caught. He wouldn’t have put himself in a situation to get caught.”
“You think it’s a set-up.” It’s not a question, but a comment. One that sends goosebumps all over my skin. “Astor…”
“Mhm?”
“Safety first. De Leon second. OrI’mgoing to do something really stupid.”
“Okay.”
“I need to go,” he whispers. “I’ll get to you soon.”
My lips part to tell him to be safe, but he hangs up the phone, and he’s suddenly gone.
Dropping the phone from my ear in disappointment, I glimpse up at the back of my bedroom door. The boys have their babysitting duties down to a science now. They don’t think I know what they’ve been doing, but I do.
Ellie has told me all about it, confirming the voices outside, the times, everything.
It’s midday.
Torin is here.
And Pretty Boy is going to tell me everything he knows and has done.
Quickly getting dressed, I opt for a pair of cotton shorts and a white crop top with the wordCocky AFon the front.
It takes a few inhales to get myself ready to face him.
Torin Wildes still throws me for a fucking loop every time we share the same space. It’s a mixture of apprehension, irritation, betrayal, and a deep-seated need to strangle him.
Then there’s the wholecaringpart.
