When I open my eyes again and shuffle to my seat, a ball of barbed wire unfurls inside my gut.
This thing with Reed won’t last. It was a fleeting moment. Like it was five years ago. This time, our fallout will be permanent.
Forever? No chance.
I can’t have him that way. Because I’m a...?criminal. And he’s the FBI.
He onlythinkshe loves me. I know the truth, though. He loves the old Lila. The woman I was a few years ago. Once he finds out what I’ve done, he’ll have to turn me in. There’s no way a man who rises each day intending to deliver justice could love the Lila I’ve become.
That old adage said it best. A bird and a fish can fall in love, but where would they make their home?
Perhaps he’ll visit me in Cell Block D.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Nothing but the best
REED
The tasteof Lila’s sweet kisses still lingers on my lips, and my cock hasn’t deflated yet. But already there’s a definite vibe shift with her.
I won’t go so far as to say something is wrong...?just different.
She’s quiet on the drive to my place in downtown Tampa. Fortunately, she agreed to stay at my condo until I return, so I won’t have to worry much about her while we apprehend Riddick.
I meant it when I told her that she shouldn’t have to face Kenzie right now. But more importantly, I hate the idea of her being somewhere where those scumbags can easily find her. Between SSA Chase’s warnings and the latest developments, I refuse to take chances with Lila’s safety.
The video footage we found in that hidden compartment was hard to listen to. It didn’t show the men who killed Troy Hartley, but it caught enough of the audio to confirm my worst fears.
That man who was hounding Lila at her table is a cold-blooded killer.
The glass the ERT tech found under the couch had prints belonging to an unknown person—who is most likely the accomplice.
So even if we get Riddick off the streets tonight, the second killer is still on the loose. And what if Lila is the next target?
I won’t let that happen.
By the time I can see my high-rise condo building in the distance, worry for her safety and about her tense silence has me tied in knots.
Does she regret what we did? Is she scared? Or is she thinking about what she’ll eventually say to my sister?
Fuck. For that matter, what amIgoing to say to Kenzie? Do I even want to talk to her again?
That’s easy to answer. Nope. I’m so fucking done with my family. This is the last of a million camel-back-breaking straws.
Once I scan my key card and the security gate opens, Lila cranes her neck for a better look through the windshield. “You have a private parking garage?”
“Yep. Each resident has assigned spaces on the same floor as their condo.”
She juts her lower lip and nods, seemingly impressed or annoyed. Unsure which.
By the time we get to the third floor of the parking garage, she’s on edge. Body stiffening, she grips the seatbelt with both hands as if she’s clinging to it for dear sweet life.
“You okay, cookie?”
Her voice fails to conceal a worried tremble. “What fl-floor is your condo on?”
Oh shit. I didn’t consider her fear of heights when I thought it’d be a good idea to bring her here.
