Something is very wrong.
Every instinct I have is screaming that he’s lying about what happened, especially about how he got those injuries. The tickets and fines they’ve been hitting him with make no sense now that I know him. When I followed him to work, I watched him pick up trash on his way and throw it away properly. Who does that in New York where the streets are covered in garbage? Kelly does, which means he’s not the kind of person who racks up violations.
This is driving me fucking insane.
Chapter 19
Kelly
I’m barely holding it together for the last half hour of my shift. Lying to Alexei about what’s wrong feels terrible, but what was I supposed to say? The seasonal depression is kicking my ass, and this morning I found more fines in my mailbox.
Paying them means David wins, right? Not that I have the money. I gave everything to my father before I finally cut him off. But even if I could pay, it would feel like handing David exactly what he wants …
My mom always said I was too stubborn to ask anyone for help, and she was right. Now I’m drowning, and I miss her desperately.
I shove on my shoes from my locker and grab my coat, heading for the back door.
“Are you leaving without saying goodbye?”
I roll my eyes. “I literally gave you a hug an hour ago, Camilla.”
“I know, but you’ve been so busy lately and barely had time for me.” She coughs into her hand. “Busy with dick.”
“Shut up.” I glance around instinctively because I told her no one can know about Alexei. I didn’t say who he actually was or anything, just that he’s very private. She asked way toomany questions about the accent, the tattoos, why he looks like he walked straight out of a prison yard. She’s not buying the bookkeeping bullshit.
“Is he good to you though? That’s all I really care about.”
I nod.
“Oh my god … that smile on your face right now.”
“Stop, you idiot.” I shove her shoulder playfully.
“You free tonight? I could throw your bike in my car, and we could grab something to eat, chill at my place?”
I think it over. I really miss spending time with her. “Please, yes. And let’s get wine.”
“I’m still not over that buzz cut guy from the club. He was so hot, Kelly. You should’ve seen his blue eyes and all those tattoos. And …” She pauses, frowning. “He also had a Russian accent now that I think about it.”
It all clicks into place.
Ozerois owned by Alexei’s family, and he probably used one of his brothers to distract Camilla while he took me upstairs to interrogate me. Just tossed a hot Russian man at her like a grenade and hoped she’d be distracted enough.
“You know what, Alexei was probably right. You should stay away from that guy because he’s probably a serial killer,” I say with the fakest smile I can manage.
She narrows her eyes.
“Come on, let’s go get drunk.” I grab her arm and pull her into a tight hug, needing the comfort of my best friend right now.
I pull out my phone to let Alexei know I won’t be home until later.
Me:
Going to dinner with Camilla tonight, probably won’t be home until late
Alexei:
Fine. Working late anyway. Lots of filing to catch up on.
