“You think Charles doesn’t know?” I continue, my voice still quiet but sharp as a blade. “You think he hasn’t figured it out? You think Sienna hasn’t told him? I wouldn’t be surprised if Sienna knew. The Carter women rarely keep secrets from one another. You’re not revealing some secret, Matthews. You’re just proving you’re stupid enough to think you can use personal information as a weapon against people who’ve been family longer than you’ve been alive.”
I step back slightly, giving him just enough space to breathe but not enough to feel safe.
“So go ahead,” I say. “Tell Charles. Tell anyone you want. See if it gets you what you think it will. Or—” I pause, letting the alternative sink in. “—you can shut the fuck up, accept that Parker isn’t interested, stop trying to poach people who willnever work for you, and maybe—maybe—I won’t tell Charles about your little alliance with Aria and your plans to destabilize his organization.”
Ryan’s jaw works, but no sound comes out. Aria’s lipstick is still visible on his collar, a reminder of his other bad decisions tonight.
“That’s what I thought.” I open my car door. “Now get the fuck away from my car before I decide you knowing about the surveillance is more of a liability than an opportunity.”
He steps back, and I slide into the driver’s seat, engine rumbling to life.
Ryan just stands there in the darkness outside Aria’s guest house, looking like someone who just realized he’s been playing checkers while everyone else is playing chess. His shirt is still wrinkled, his tie still loose, Aria’s lipstick still marking him as someone who makes terrible decisions.
I drive away, my hands tight on the steering wheel, adrenaline still pumping through my veins.
Fucking idiot.
I pull out my phone once I’m clear of the estate, my mind already organizing the information, categorizing threats, building the plan for how to handle this.
I need to talk to Parker. She needs to know what Ryan said, what leverage he thinks he has, what Aria’s planning.
I pull up her contact, type out a message.
We need to talk.
I stare at the screen, then curse. Too ominous. Too much like?—
Her response comes almost instantly, like she was waiting.
Uh oh. Those are break up words.
Despite everything, I smile.
I’m worse than a tick. You can’t get rid of me that easy. I’ll be at your place soon.
Three dots appear, then disappear, then appear again.
Should Jace and Cal be there?
Not yet. Need to talk to you first.
Okay. Boys are at the main house with Jimmy and Lottie for the night. I’m home.
I drive faster than I probably should, the streets empty at this hour, the city quiet outside of the compound.
Her guest house appears—lights on in the living room, warm and inviting. I park and I’m out of the car before the engine fully cuts, taking the steps two at a time.
I knock once, barely, before the door opens.
Parker’s there, still in that storm-grey dress that’s been driving me insane all night, her feet bare, her hair down now, falling in waves around her shoulders. She’s taken off the mask and the jewelry, but she’s still breathtaking.
“Silas—” she starts, but I don’t let her finish.
I’m through the door, shoving it closed behind me with my foot, lifting her in one motion. Her legs wrap around my waist automatically, her hands going to my shoulders, and then my mouth is on hers.
Desperate. Consuming. Every ounce of frustration from watching her all night with another man’s hands on her pouring into this kiss.
She tastes like champagne and mint—must have brushed her teeth after getting home. Her body molds to mine perfectly, soft curves against hard muscle, and I press her against the wall of the entryway, finally getting what I’ve been denied all night.
