Page 31 of Sin of Love

I’m about to activate the grinder when there’s a knock at the front door. I ignore it and press down with my palm, the mechanical whirring of the grinder drowning out any follow-up knocks. If it’s Finn, he’ll walk inside. If not, whoever it is can fuck off.

As water percolates and the decadent scent of dark roast coffee fills the kitchen, my stomach growls to remind me I’m human and coffee isn’t food. Then I remember Lucy saying she called a grocery service. That was nice of her. For another few moments, I feel bad for the way I treated her. Then I’m annoyed again.

I need a drink.

I’m opening cupboards looking for something to spike my coffee with when the front door swings open.

“Go home, Finn. You can tell my ex-wife—” I look over my shoulder, and my words die along with my breath.

Nate steps into the kitchen from the foyer and looks around, his gaze pinging over the rows of empty liquor bottles on the counters, the overflowing ashtrays and trash cans. With him are Dominic and a man I don’t know.

Nate enters the kitchen first, worried eyes finding mine. “It’s been a month and you look ten years older.”

I swallow hard. “Goddamn social hour at Casa de Masters. What are you two doing here, and who’s your friend?”

Dominic’s piercing eyes meet mine. “This is Liam Rourke. He’s Irish and kind of a bastard, but good at finding things if you have the money for it. If you’re ready to sober up for a minute, we’ll give you an update on the search for Deirdre.”

The remaining blood in my head drains away and I sag against the nearest counter.

“Tell me,” I whisper, my gaze finding Nate’s.

His eyes fill with tears.

She’s dead. Oh God, she’s—

A strong hand clasps my shoulder. My eyes snap to the Irishman. He winks. “I found your girl, boyo. Pour yourself some coffee and let’s talk.”

Liam’s fumbling grab is the only reason my head doesn’t bounce off the tile as I pass right the fuck out.

---