Page 69 of Abundance of Obsession

After those words, we lie in silence for a long time. We fall asleep nestled against each other.

It’s only after a few more hours, when we wake up, that I find my way between Raven’s thighs. Not because I’m selfish, but because I intend to do everything I can to make her feel better. When my tongue makes her scream my name with all her might, I’m finally certain I’ve succeeded.

Chapter 18

Eli

Dusk is falling as I head toward the pier. I have no idea why Ryker decided to meet there, instead of at a club or his own place. Maybe he needed a change of scenery, or he was just bored. Who knows?

When I arrive at the old harbor, I park my Escalade next to Ryker’s Range Rover. On the other side, Theo has parked his Mercedes.

It seems they’re already waiting for me. Picking up my phone, I follow the directions Ryker sent me.

From a distance, I can see two figures standing on the breakwater. They stick out like a sore thumb here. Their expensive suits are way too conspicuous. If Ryker was hoping for a private meeting, tough luck.

My hands land in the pockets of my pants as I approach my brothers. Wrapped in silence, they stare straight ahead. If they notice me, they don’t show it.

And yet I do exactly the same thing they do. I turn my head and gaze at the horizon.

Although I’m farther from being a romantic jerk than I am from New York, I have to admit that the sunset is exceptionally beautiful today. Red and navy blue paint the sky. It’s an unusual, intense sight. Breathtaking. On the horizon, it merges with the calm surface of the water.

Zoe would be delighted.

My fingers tighten around the pack in my pocket. Keeping my eyes fixed, I pull it out and a few seconds later, take a drag on the cigarette. I hold the smoke in my lungs and release it.

“I didn’t know you had a new hobby,” Theo jokes. I simply shrug, and he adds, “You know that shit’s gonna kill you?”

“You talk like we don’t live with targets on our backs every day.”

“True, but the birds chirp. You have a lot more to lose now.”

I glance out of the corner of my eye at the impassive Ryker and then at Theo. “What exactly have you heard?”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “Just that you’re very protective and not so immune to the charms of a certain young Miss Monroe.”

I snort. “I swear, the two worst gossips in this town are child’s play compared to you guys.”

“At least you’re not denying it,” Ryker interjects.

“You don’t know shit. I want nothing to happen to her. We’ve involved her in this. That’s all.” Even to my ears, every word sounds like a defense that only drags me deeper into the mud.

But Ryker isn’t giving up that easily. “That makes sense. That’s why you’re almost grinding your teeth when you listen to Damien and Zoe’s dates. Your clenched fists prove nothing at all. Not to mention how you almost passed out when the gunshots rang out over the phone the first time.”

“Don’t remind me,” I growl, baring my teeth. He’s luring me in and, unfortunately, it’s working. “Why are we here?”

Relief washes over me when my friends drop the subject.

“I met with Ismael today.”

“Ismael’s in the country? What’s he doing here?” Theo’s suspicion surfaces.

“Hell knows, really. He said he had a minor problem to kill. While he was at it, he wanted to make sure that despite the change in captain, the ship was still heading in the same direction. Nico Ruiz paid him a visit.”

Ryker’s words stun me. The cigarette I’d forgotten about starts burning my fingers, so I toss the butt and crush it with a boot. Now I turn fully toward my brother because he has my undivided attention.

“Are you fucking kidding me? What does Veirix want from Loco Muerte?” I ask.

Ryker still isn’t meeting my gaze, which is pissing me off. “He knows we’re coming for him. Wanted Ismael to get us off his back.”