Page 19 of No Lies No Promises

Ruthie waves the silver circle over the flames. The flowing sleeves of her robe come so close to the fire, I almost bolt for water. Thankfully, she jerks them back before peering toward the foul-scented, smoldering wax.

“Oh spirits, tell me what you see.”

While the rest of us hold our breath, she pauses as if hearing voices from beyond, then fixates on her grandson. “Outside forces will test your love. Greed. Jealousy. Evil.”

Not yet finished, she turns to me. “Trust is the only way forward.”

Eyes closed, she sighs, flouncing back into her chair. “There is no more.”

“Thank fuck.” Sean blows out the candle. As it smokes, smelling even worse than before, he places it on the windowsill.

Leaning at the waist, he kisses his grandmother on the forehead. “Don’t worry. We’re solid.”

“It’s not me.” She removes her hat and fluffs out her purple curls. “It’s the spirits. Promise me you’ll heed their warning.”

“Yup. We promise.” Ready to go home, I stand, grab the bracelet, rip off a paper towel, and wipe away the black soot.

Grams, thinking I’m not watching, winks at my sister.

Seriously? My gaze narrows. “Exactly how much are you charging for these readings?”

Ruthie smiles as she gathers up her props, stuffing them in a violet canvas bag. “Half an hour for a hundred bucks. I’ve already booked a month at the senior center. Check out my website. I also do a short bit for free at the end of Woo Woo ghost tours. Afterward, I hand out my cards.”

I glare at Becca, who has a BS in marketing. “This is your doing?”

She bursts out laughing. “You should’ve seen your faces.”

Hand on the doorknob, my fiancé glares at me. “You created this monster. Fix it.”

Like I have any control over my sister… or his grandmother?

The older of the two shysters opens the refrigerator and sets a plate on the table. “Brownie, anyone?”

Good God. The last time I had one of her edibles, I was loopy for hours. “No thanks. I left dinner on the stove.”

Ruthie bites into one. “Okay. Toodles. Don’t forget the art show.”

“Mega Dicks?” I groan. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Shutting the door tight, I snicker. By the time we reach the elevator, Sean’s laughing, too.

When the door opens on our floor, he stiffens before shoving me behind him. “Fuck. Stay here. I’ll handle him.”

His whole demeanor changes as he strides down the corridor to confront a man who looks so similar, it must be his father.

Graying at the temples, the billionaire keeps the sides of his hair shaved, with the top longer—manicured nails. Designer wool suit. Plucked brows. Expensive gold watch. And attitude. Lots of attitude.

Picking up my phone, I text my sister.

Me: 911. Roger at our front door.

Becks: K. Coming.

I take a deep breath as I approach the two alpha males, about ready to fight. Emotional? Physical? I can’t be sure.

“What do you want?” As Sean crosses his arms, I slide behind him.

Reeking of pine-scented cologne, his asshole father glares at me, then motions to my apartment. “We need to talk. In private.”