He didn’t even realize his grip on the smooth porcelain had turned his knuckles white.
A few stray sprigs of Riley’s hair blew with the morning breeze. Eric’s heart ached knowing he was about to cause her more pain.
She already blamed herself for the son of a bitch’s crimes. This newest revelation was only going to make matters worse.
Making a unilateral decision, he grabbed his phone and called Derek back.
“Miss me, already?”
“We’re coming home.” Eric turned and walked out of the kitchen.
“You already told her? Damn, that was—”
“No, I haven’t told her, but I know as soon as I do, she’s gonna want to get back to the city ASAP. Just thought I’d let you know.”
Rather than head outside, Eric decided to go back to the bedroom first, to change into a pair of jeans.
It was a stall tactic, he knew. He could change after they talked. But this was a way to buy Riley a few more minutes of the peace she’d finally found.
She deserved to have at least that much, before he went out there and turned her world upside down.
“How do you think she’s gonna take the news?”
Eric frowned at his brother’s asinine question. “How do you think?”
God, he’d give anything not to have to tell her what he knew.
Be careful what you wish for.
He stepped into the bedroom, the old saying his mom always used to repeat ran through his head, followed by a sharp, blinding pain.
From somewhere in the distance, he thought he heard Derek yelling his name and then...nothing.
Chapter 11
––––––––
