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“Seriously, Mila. My mother proved that Zane was stealing from my father’s business. He’s a thief. The knowledge destroyed my dad. Don’t leave anything of value out in the open.”
“Those are some serious accusations.” I know nothing about the circumstances and yet I find myself doubting it solely because Freddy “proved” it.
“They’re not accusations. They’re truth. My mother reported him to the police. An investigation is underway.”
If that’s true, then why hasn’t Zane been arrested? He’s innocent until proven guilty. In the eyes of the law... and in my eyes too. Freddy has the burden of proof.
“What’s Zane doing there? Did he say?” Ryker asks.
“He’s been stationed in San Francisco. He’s looking for housing, so he won’t be at your place for long. I figured you’d want me to let him stay. I mean, he is your brother.Your family.Was I wrong?”
Ryker scoffs. “I don’t want him there while you’re there,” he growls. It sounds like he’s speaking through gritted teeth as he hollers in that horrible business tone I don’t appreciate.
Silence abounds as imaginary crickets chirp. “Ryker?”
“Sorry, I don’t mean to take this out on you. I’m upset about his antics, as usual. He drives me crazy.” His voice is polished again. I feel like I witnessed aJekyll and Hydemoment.
I think Ryker has the Freddy gene. He clearly hides it well. I’m not okay with that.
“Look, I’m busy, he’s busy. We’ll hardly see each other. It’ll be fine, really. He can stay, I don’t mind. If you want to kick him out, that’s up to you. But don’t give him the boot on my account. I’ve been on my own for a long time and I can handle it.” Gulp. Brave words. But this is my future brother-in-law—maybe—and it’s high time peace prevailed in this family.
“I’ll call him and we’ll work it out. I’m so sorry this happened, Mila. Are you sure you’re okay?” While his tone sounds forced, he’s much calmer than earlier.
“I’m perfectly fine. Really.”
“All right. Be safe, sweetheart. I’m falling more each day. More and more. Please know that. I’ve gotta go. Talk more later.”
The connection is broken before I can say another word. He never plays theYou Hang Up Firstgame, thank goodness. But if he did, he’d always win.
I start my practice session with a conflicted heart.
Ryker Martel is telling me he loves me, even if he does use the termfallingas his code word forI love you. I needed to hear it this morning to erase my growing doubts about us.
Hearing his worry over my safety helped to alleviate some of my concerns. I think he really does love me.
The thought should comfort me. It doesn’t.
Instead, I feel uneasy. Why do I have the urge to flee? To run as fast as I can and never look back?
I think it’s time to listen to my inner voice. It’s trying to tell me something.
chapter nine
~
A COUPLE HOURSlater, Zane wanders into the room in his torn jeans and that’s all once again. When I see him in my peripheral vision, I stop what I’m playing and break out intoThe Entertainer. I cast him a cheesy grin.
He laughs aloud, a pleasant, throaty sound. He manages an exaggerated bow. “I’m here all night. And all day. And all night. For a while anyway.”
Yes, he is. I hope I don’t regret the choice to let him stay. “I’m not going to ask you again. Please put your abs away. They like to stare and it’s so rude.”
He throws his head back and laughs as he disappears into his room.
He actually laughed at something I said. Huh.
I admit, I enjoy the sound of his laughter. It invigorates me. It’s so easy and relaxed—and foreign. I guess I didn’t realize how much I miss laughter with Ryker. But then, no one is perfect, as my mom reminded me.
He returns with his signature white t-shirt on, but this time his sunglasses are tucked into the vee of his neckline. “Better?”
