I close my eyes, but all I can see is the dead man.
However hard I try, it’s not enough. This is just how it’s going to be. As much as Talon wants to fix me, I don’t think it’s possible.
I’m broken.
10
Breaking News
Unknown:OMG,Ijustheard what happened. Are you okay? Juan gave me the number to reach you but said this was the one and only time I could until they figure shit out.
Without having to ask, I know it’s Bianca texting me from an unknown number. Very few people would have access to the burner phone Talon gave me yesterday. It only has two numbers programmed into it as well. His and Leandro’s.
Me: I fucked Talon.
I don’t know why I respond with that, but a part of me doesn’t want to relive everything that happened. I’d prefer to cling onto my memory of the most amazing sex I’ve ever had. I ache in the best way, the reminder turning me on over and over again. Talon might be a hard ass, but he’s an attentive lover unlike I’ve ever experienced.
Unknown: What?! Holy fuck! Are you insane? You’re facing possible murder charges and you go and sleep with Talon?
I blink a few times. It wasn’t the reaction I’d expected. Bianca always cheered me on my conquest in trying to seduce Talon.
Conquest... Oh, no. What if that was what this was?
Me: It just happened. He was there for me.
Unknown: Don’t you think it’s not a good time? What if you can’t get out of this? Juan says it doesn’t look good.
Me: What else does Juan say? He doesn’t know shit. I didn’t murder anyone. He’s just being a dick to keep you away from me.
Unknown: I know that you’d never. I’m sorry. I’m just freaked out. I want you to be careful. What if it was Christos? He could go after someone else like Talon and blame you. I thought his acceptance of your punishment was convenient after I found out about you.
That was my first thought. And now that Bianca plants the idea back into my mind—she could be right. If Christos is behind this, he could hurt Talon.
Me: Shit. I need to confront him. He asked to talk to me, and I told him to fuck off.
Unknown: I don’t know, Stacia. I don’t feel right about it.
A knock on the door draws my attention away from my conversation with Bianca. I meet Talon’s vivid blue gaze. He stands fully dressed in a suit, looking handsome as hell with his dark blond hair combed and styled like a damn cover model. But it also means he’s going somewhere. He prefers casual to sophisticated, though he can pull both off. I realize I love him best naked, and seeing him ready to leave tightens my chest.
I crinkle my nose. “Where are you heading? I thought you’d be staying with me.”
“I have errands to run.” He remains in his spot instead of stepping closer like I expect him to. “Leandro’s here, so you’re safe.”
I push to my feet, closing the space. “What kind of errands? Does it have to do with me?”
“Wild child,” he says with a sigh, my nickname like a groan of annoyance. “It’s better if you don’t know all the details, but the DNA Leandro took isn’t a match for the dead guy, so I’m looking into it more. I also have some shit to do for the business. You know how demanding my job can be. It’s nothing too important or anything to worry about, and I won’t be more than a couple of hours.”
I slide my arms under his, hugging him. “Can’t you have someone else handle things? Is there anything I can do to convince you to stay and—”
A strange alarm sounds, the noise coming from the hallway. Footsteps soon follow, and Talon pulls away and crosses his arms. I stand stunned, my lips parted, and my body turning rigid. He straightens his suit jacket and flicks his gaze away from me. I spot a familiar face pop up as Leandro reaches the landing. Shit. I don’t know if I should be offended or relieved that Talon backed off...who am I kidding? I’m hurt. I know I fucked Leandro, so I should be thankful that I’m spared from the awkwardness, but Talon doesn’t know that. I’m pretty sure I know the real reason Talon backs off. He doesn’t want Leandro to know that we’ve been together. And what the fuck?
I decide to throw my fucks to the floor and close the space to Talon again, showing that Leandro was a night of fun. It wasn’t anything serious, and I doubt he’ll try anything again, considering he’s been hired as my personal bodyguard.
“Please, don’t go,” I say, lowering my voice. I lift my hands to rest on his shoulders, and he steps away again.
The bastard pats me on the fucking head like I’m a child even though I’ve been a woman since before we met. I sense Leandro watching us without a word, probably realizing he just interrupted something.
My chest tightens with the pain of rejection. Inhaling a deep breath, I burn Talon a look, hoping he feels the fire of my gaze.