Inez pressed her hands against the counter, eyeing Cleo with suspicion.
“You got it good at Killcreek. Why do you want to leave?”
This is my shot!
“I want a place of my own. Somewhere quiet. I don’t belong there. They put up with me because they feel an obligation to Knox. Like it’s their duty to take care of me because I’m his sister.”Was, Cleo.Past tense. She dropped her chin and picked at the hem of her shirt.
“You think that’s the reason they keep you?”
Cleo peeked up. There was something off in her tone.
“Yes.”
Inez stared back at her but she was impossible to read. Queen of the poker face. When Inez’s phone rang, Cleo jumped.Dammit!She knew exactly who was calling.I need more time.
Inez walked past Cleo into the living room, grabbing her phone from the end table. “You all are gonna put me into an early fucking grave with your bullshit.”
Inez shook her head and tapped the screen before lifting it to her ear.
“Yeah?”
Inez squinted, taking a drag from her cigarette, eyeing Cleo. “Why the fuck would I loan you my security?”
Uh-oh.
“Really? Just disappeared, huh? That girl loves a Houdini act, doesn’t she?” Inez narrowed her gaze. “Surprised you boys don’t have a tracker on her phone.”
This is bad.
The corner of Inez’s mouth curled into what looked like a half smile. It was the first semblance of humor Cleo had ever seen directed at her. Cleo forced a smile, and Inez shook her head.
“Turned off her location, huh? Well, it’s your lucky fucking day, Ace. She’s sitting at my kitchen counter. I take it, I’ll be seeing you soon.” Inez ended the call and tossed the phone on the counter. “You do love keeping my boys on their toes, don’t you?”
This was disastrous. Not only was the club on the way, butshe’d made no headway with Inez for letting her move to Grizz’s house.
Dammit!
****
Wraith’s heavy steps could’ve been heard from the first floor. Livid would’ve been an understatement.
Usually there was a protocol of procession with the club. Ace always led the MC with Cross at his side and Wraith following a few steps behind. Not today. He didn’t even bother knocking. He threw open Inez’s door and stormed down the small hallway.
Inez was stationed in the kitchen, clutching a glass of vodka in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Surprisingly, she didn’t say a word about his entrance.
He scanned the room, finding Cleo in the corner sitting on a chair. She slowly stood, and waved.
“Hi.” Her voice was shaky, and her smile was forced.
Wraith stalked toward her, trying to settle his anger. It always took great effort when Cleo put herself in dangerous positions. Her lack of self-preservation was his trigger.
“What the hell were you thinking?”
Cleo raised her brows, shrugging innocently. “I went for a walk and ended up here?”
Bullshit!
Inez snorted, shaking her head. Obviously, there had been an ulterior motive on Cleo’s end, and Inez knew about it.
