Page 70 of Greed

“I did. How about you,” she asked.

“I sadly didn’t get much sleep.”

“Oh,” she said and couldn’t stop the little flare of jealousy that flickered in her stomach.

“It’s probably not what you think, although I wouldn’t blame you. I had work, and things got a tad complicated, which required some clean-up.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice, and her cheeks warmed.

“I wasn’t thinking… okay, yes I was,” she said. Riker laughed, and his hearty chuckle made her think of the sounds he’d make during sex. God, she’d bet it would be fantastic. She had to turn away from Penny’s observant and disapproving stare. “Was there a reason you were calling?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. Tonight, for dinner, I will pick you up at noon.”

“Noon?” She laughed, but Riker remained quiet. “Oh! You’re serious.” She bit off a piece of bacon and then stared at it, wondering if it was needed. “Wouldn’t that be lunch?” That’s pretty early for dinner.”

“That is because we have quite the distance to go to get there. Trust me. You’re going to love the spot. We just need to get going early.”

Minetta bit her bottom lip, trying not to get too excited by a simple dinner. She was being forced into this to save humanity, she reminded herself. But her heart hammered faster in her chest, telling her she’d secretly been wanting this push. And yet her mind danced around waving a red flag that he was still the fallen angel of greed, and he could turn his back on her in a blink.

“Alright, noon it is. My address is….”

He cut her off. “No need, my little bird, I already know where you live. I’m looking forward to seeing you again.” He hung up before she could say goodbye or ask how he knew where she lived. She simply stared at the phone.

“You do know you’re playing with fire, right? Like actual demon Hellfire,” Penny grumbled.

“Maybe, but I’ve rarely done something for myself. Even this date is to help save the world, so what harm is there in enjoying myself for a change. I could really use it.” She didn’t know if she should admit this but decided she didn’t have anyone else she could share with. “Besides, I can’t deny there is something between us, I felt it from the second we met.”

Penny sighed and then sat down across from her, her plate in hand. “You’re right, Minny, and I’m sorry if I don’t seem happy for you. It’s just…this is all a very big risk, all of it.” She pushed her food around on her plate with her fork. “I just failed so miserably already, and I don’t want to see anything happen to you. No matter what you think of me, I love you.”

She stared at Penny and knew that she’d forgive Penny. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but it would happen. She was already softening. Minny lifted her shoulders to her ears before letting them drop. “Okay, at least now I know the truth, and it’s my choice to put myself in danger.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. It’s not like Riker has a good reputation. I mean, you’ve seen the lineup of women, and he’s a Sin, Minny, he has a dark side and….” Penny sighed. “And you already know all this, so just please be careful.”

Penny had voiced exactly what she didn’t want to hear and stared at the food as she pondered her situation. She wasn’t backing out. It was worth the risk, but she had to wonder if her heart could handle another trauma. There was only so much one person could take.

The rest of the morning seemed to drag on and fly by all at the same time. All she could think about was dinner with Riker and what to wear. Even the usually relaxing walk with Toby hadn’t done any good at being a distraction. Oddly once Penny realized this was happening and there was nothing she could say to talk her out of it, she was a lot of help with the outfit and hair.

Standing back from the mirror, Minetta smiled as she fastened her earring in place and took in the pretty updo that Penny had styled for her. Her new smoky makeup made her eyes stand out with the matching silver dress that Penny seemed to pull out of thin air.

Stepping into the bedroom, she smiled at Toby. He was in his favorite spot on the bed, eyes closed.

“You be a good boy for Penny,” she said to him and gave the top of his head a rub and a kiss. A soft moan was all the response she got. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll miss you too.”

The doorbell rang, and her heart leaped into her throat as butterflies erupted in her stomach. She shouldn’t be this excited to see Riker. Was she really ready to be the person to draw out his humanity, so to speak? And she really hated the idea of hiding what she knew from him. She understood Michael’s rationalization that if Riker knew, then he would assume that any feelings he had would be fake, but it seemed conniving and wrong to keep something this big from him.

She made her way down the stairs just as Penny opened the door. “Penelope Mendroin, what an unusual surprise. What are you doing answering Minetta’s door?”

“Penelope,” I asked, giving Penny a look. Something else I didn’t know about her, apparently.

Penny blushed, her cheeks reddening. “Penny, just call me Penny. I hate Penelope.” Penny crossed her arms over her chest and stepped away from the door to let Riker in.

“That doesn’t answer the question as to why you are here, Penny?” Riker emphasized her name like he was analyzing her response.

“Penny and I work together.” Minetta said, bailing Penny out. “Penny mentioned you two had met, but I didn’t realize you knew each other that well.”

“Penny and I go way back, don’t we, Penny?” Riker’s intense amber eyes swung to Penny, and she backed away from his stare.

“Is there something I should know?” She looked between the two of them. She hadn’t considered the two of them being an item at any time, but considering his reputation, it was highly plausible, and her stomach flipped.

Riker looked at her and a small smile formed. “Do you think I sleep with every woman I meet?”