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“Interrupting me. If we are going to work together, I’d like for you to respect what I have to say.”
Surprise flashes in his eyes, and he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Ah, so you do have a spine. Good to know.”
“Listen, Bane.” I lean forward. “I’m here to help you. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you get a fair and speedy trial. In return, I need you to refrain from making everything you say seem like a veiled threat.”
His eyes dance across my face, assessing me. “Maybe it is one, Greer,” he says in a low voice.
Seconds tick by as we stare at each other. Then, with a lighthearted chuckle, Bane breaks the tension between us. “I’m joking, Greer. Don’t look so serious.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I just need to get out of here. Sitting in jail is not an option—I have business to attend to, and a fiancee missing me.”
I can’t help but feel a flicker of sympathy for him as I close my files and slide them in my bag. It’s a tiny flicker, but at least it’s something other than wariness. “I’m sure Posey will be thrilled when you’re released.”
“I like that you’re speaking in positive terms. When, not if. I expect nothing less.” His eyes bore into me with unwavering intensity. “My family expects nothing less.”
I stand and slip my bag on my shoulder, pushing away the sense of unease settling over me. “That’s because I fully intend to make that happen.”
With a final nod of farewell, I turn on my heel and stride purposefully out of the room, leaving behind Bane Delgado and the unsettling questions that linger in his wake.
SIX
ROMAN
I arrive at Dev and Chloe’s place on Friday before anyone else. If I’m lucky, I can talk to Chloe about all these feelings I’m having about Greer rising to the top. I want to tamp them back down before they bubble over.
I stride down the cobblestone path leading to the restored Victorian home nestled in the hills of Saint Pierce and ring the doorbell. Chloe answers with a bright smile.
“Come in,” she says, moving aside so I can enter. “What’s with you ringing the bell lately?”
I shrug. “You and Dev are expecting a baby. I shouldn't be barging in anymore. Besides, last time I walked into your house, I saw a lot more than I wanted to.”
Chloe laughs at my reference to the time I walked into their house and Dev was naked, walking out to the pool to join Chloe. “Well, maybe it is better that you knock.” She shuts the door and we head into the large galley-style kitchen.
“I knew you’d show up first,” Dev says when he sees me. “Drink?” He holds up a bottle of Eagle Rare.
I nod. “Yes.” I need a dozen drinks to stop thinking about his sister. Being out on a date with her last night is something I never thought would affect me as hard as it did. I’d always wanted to know what it would be like to go out with her, and it was more than I expected. We had fun.
I mean, we always have fun together, but last night was different. I can’t understand it.
And now I’m nervous to see her tonight.
Dev slides me a glass of bourbon, and I take a long pull from the glass.
“You okay?” he asks when I set the empty glass on the granite countertop.
“Yeah, just haven’t been feeling too well.” I don’t want to tell him about the chest pain I’ve been having. Or the dizzy spells.
“What’s wrong?” Chloe asks, looking concerned.
“I’m fine.” I don’t want either of them to worry. “Just feeling run down.”
“Dating my sister will do that to you.” Dev laughs at his own joke and Chloe slaps his arm playfully.
“Greer’s a gem and any man would be lucky to have her,” Chloe says. “Someday she’ll meet someone special.” She smiles up at her boyfriend, her eyes sparkling with love. “Like I met you.” She kisses him on the cheek and my face flames with jealousy at the thought of Greer meeting anyone new.
I know it’s inevitable. I know one day she’ll marry someone and have a family. I just don’t want to think about it.
Ledger shows up, and the last to arrive is Greer.
“Hey,” Greer says, her eyes meeting mine first. They linger, and I’d love to know what she’s thinking about right at this moment.
