Page 62 of Deadly Sins

36Ksenya

IBARELY SLEPT ALL NIGHT, worrying that now that Daniel had found out who I was, Grant would be next.

I’d spent the night alone again but in his bed. Wrapped in his covers, dreaming of cuddling next to him. I’d even slept naked, hoping he would climb into the bed in the middle of the night and make love to me. But Grant remained on the sofa all night; his only companion was Hero.

I figured he was still pissed at me from the other night, though he wouldn’t tell me why. He still came to my rescue, but that wasn’t actually shocking, considering rescuing people was his profession.

I wished I knew what was going through his mind. Our distance grew further apart. Now, more than at any other point since I’d started this game, I realized the chances of us getting back together were fading. Too many lies, too many secrets. Even so, I cherished every second of sleeping in the bed where we’d first made love, the sheets fragrant with his scent.

When I walked out of the bedroom, Grant was cooking breakfast. But this time, there was no steak to make me gag—just black coffee, steel-cut oats, and strawberries.

Everything was vegan.

Did he know?

“Sorry about breakfast, I haven’t gone shopping in a while.”

That made sense. “It is good, thank you.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind coming with me to see my friend?”

“It is fine. I am happy to go.”

“Thanks.” He sat across the table from me, sipping his coffee. “So, how was work yesterday?”

“Good. Kyle is nice to me. Money, it is good.” I couldn’t help staring at his biceps. He was just wearing a T-shirt and gray sweats. His beard was full, and I begin to fantasize about him. It had been so long since I’d felt his skilled tongue between my legs, just the thought alone was enough to get me wet.

How had I fucked up so badly with him? Not only as Mia but also as Ksenya?

Now wasn’t the time. I was going to see my brother again. And this time, he knew who I was.

We finished breakfast and then left in Grant’s truck.

Daniel hadn’t wasted any time setting up the meeting. And I’d come up with a plan.

I had to admit, it wasn’t my best plan. There was no way I could distract Grant and try to talk to Joaquín alone. My interactions would be video and audiotaped. Good thing I had some tricks up my sleeve.

We parked on the street in front of the prison, and Grant fed the meter. I gazed up at the jail from below and stared at the tiny windows that faced the ocean. I choked back a tear, imagining Joaquín wasting away up in his tower, with only a sliver of a glimpse to the outside world.

Grant took my hand and led me into the building.

The guard seemed to recognize me from our last visit on Monday, just two days prior. I gave him a polite nod and sat next to Grant on an orange plastic chair. The floor smelled like bleach and desperation, and the toxic environment in the room made my stomach queasy.

I squeezed Grant’s hand. “Why did he want to see you so very soon?”

Grant smirked, pushing his blond hair off his chiseled face. “No clue. Said it was urgent.”

I forced a smile. Grant was lying to me. He knew something was up with Joaquín.

Or worse, me. Fuck.

Joaquín appeared in his jumpsuit, but mercifully this time I was prepared for his disheveled appearance. Even so, my heart wept when his frame came into view.

He picked up the phone. “Hey, thanks for coming.” He waved to me, and I resisted the urge to shatter the glass to hug him.

“What’s up, man? You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m good. I’ve made a decision.” He looked right at me. “I’m not going to plea.”