She looks over at him again, her eyes narrowing, her lips pursed, and I get the impression she’s giving him the silent treatment.
I shrug my shoulders. “I haven’t worked that part out yet.”
She closes her eyes, breathing deeply, and I sense the weight of the tension I’ve created. “I’ll sort out some accommodations for you.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I reply quickly, not wanting to be a burden.
Her eyes lock with mine again, a seriousness to her pretty features. She looks tired, and I feel bad to be adding to her stress. “Yes, I do. Meet me in the main bar when you finish your dance lessons. I have a place you can stay. And if you need anything while working here, come to me and not Asher.”
I place a hand on the doorknob, eager to escape her office and get back to my classes with Paige. “Thanks.” I smile softly, kind of surprised she’s being so accommodating, then I close the door behind me with a click.
When I get out into the hall, I stop and wait to hear what she says to Asher. That felt too easy. All too convenient. Is guilt eating her because she’s thrown my life into chaos?
“Keep an eye on her. Like, don’t take your fucking eyes off of her,” she says to him, her tone darker.
“What am I missing? Who is she?” he asks back, sounding completely lost.
“She’s married to Valentine Moretti, or she was.” She sighs heavily as if the weight of the world rests on her shoulders, and I wonder what she knows that I don’t?
The way she sayswasimplies she knows something as to his whereabouts. Was she the one to rid the world of my evil, motherfucker of a husband, and why do I hope she was?
“You don’t trust her?” he asks.
“I don’t know her well enough to make assumptions, but we all know what he was capable of. Honestly, I don’t think she’s dangerous. I think she’s a girl out of luck who needs a hand to get back on track, but the people looking for her, Ash, they really could be all sorts of trouble.”
“Shit, I knew she was on the run. Fuck. She might bring more attention from the local cops. That’s the last thing we need.”
“Exactly. Good work not getting the background check done before hiring her. You hired two other girls today, did you check them?”
“Yes, both.”
“What happened with her then?” she snips back, sounding super mad about it.
“I… I’m not sure,” he stutters out, sounding distracted. “But I promise you I won’t let anything happen to her. And I will make sure we don’t have any trouble.”
The way he says it makes my heart skip a beat. He wants to protect me?
“Asher Stryker! She’s off limits! If you fucking screw her, you no longer have a job here with me. Do you understand?” she barks back at him, and I hear the seriousness in her voice.
I hear him laugh, but it doesn’t sound as carefree as he was with me earlier. “Lighten up, Sis, I don’t fuck every girl who works for us.”
“I’m serious, Ash, she’s not like the other girls here. She’s been through a lot married to Valentine. More than any girl should have to. I won’t have her hurt again, not here on my turf.”
I huff out a breath. She thinks I’m a damaged damsel in distress. That’s why she made it so easy for me. Right now, I guess she’s not wrong. I’m alone in the world for the first time, but that’s the last thing I want her brother to know. Especially after that interview. I’m still all tingly when I think about the way he looked at me. And the truth is, I got him to give me a chance on my own. One step at a time, I can do this by myself. I will reclaim my life. I don’t want her pity or his.
Chapter 6
Take My Breath Away
Truetoherword,Sloane was ready and waiting to drive me to my new accommodations the second I stepped out of my dance class. Her car is a Porche that smells of vanilla. It’s as though the scent follows her around. I hope it’s enough to cover the stench of the sweat that is dripping off every part of me. Paige wasn’t kidding when she said it was going to be a full-on workout. But I didn’t mind one bit. I feel more myself than I have in years, even if I’m a stinky mess. As I watch the dingy streets of Ravens Hollow pass us, I have a million and one questions racing through my head for Sloane. Especially after the last part of her conversation I overheardwith Asher.
“Did you do it?” I mutter the burning question I have been waiting to ask her since she pulled me into her office earlier today.
She glances over at me just for a second, then her eyes are back on the road in front of her. “Do what exactly, Daisy?”
“Kill my husband?” I spell it out for her.
“Why would you ask a question like that?” Her voice is bland and unemotional.
