Page 52 of Tainted Truth

Ignoring his point, I switch subjects. “What did you learn about Anthony? I’ve been busy with the shitshow left for my team by the fuckingBride Butcher—I hate that name.”

“Well . . .” Rio trails off as his eyes wander to the side.

I narrow my eyes. “Please tell me you actually got answers.”

“She’s definitely staying.”

We’ll see.

“And . . .” I prompt.

“We know Anthony raped her.”

I set my mug down harder than necessary. “We all already guessed that! How is that news?”

“Now we know for sure.” Rio casually shrugs.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and squeeze my eyes closed. “Do I have to do this myself?”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“We need more. There’s more she’s not telling us.” I down the rest of my coffee and set my cup in the sink. “When everyoneis up later, we’re going into the office—together. It’s time Spencer stopped hiding behind her fear and gave us the truth.”

I don’t care how beautiful she is, and I don’t care how she effortlessly draws me in. Spencer needs to give us some damn answers so I can keep my family in one piece.

CHAPTER 22

SPENCER

Sitting in an FBI interrogation room is not how I thought today was going to go. When I woke up alone, in Asher’s bed, I wasn’t surprised he didn’t stick around for the awkward “this can’t happen again” conversation.

But when I woke up to the smell of pancakes and bacon, I did not expect for Asher to say that we were all going to work with him. He made it very clear that I, specifically, didn’t have a say in whether or not I went. So, I got dressed and when we arrived, Asher placed me in this room with a glass of water and left.

That was an hour ago. Maybe longer.

I don’t mind quiet—I prefer to spend time in my own company. But with nothing to do except stare at these walls and a two-way mirror . . . I might go crazy.

My mind has already replayed all of my most embarrassing moments, and all of the times I should have said something different. Like yesterday, when Rio surprised me in the shower and I made the most ungodly and humiliating sound. It was like a cross between a donkey baying and a cat screeching.

Now, I’m just staring at my reflection and wondering what the fuck is going on. I didn’t do anything wrong, so I assume Iwas left in here so I’m out of the way. But then that begs the question: Why do I need to be here in the first place?

The metal chair is cold, and I swear they keep the temperature below fifty degrees in here. The LED light overhead buzzes and is finally starting to get on my nerves. Keeping my eyes open is getting more and more difficult.

Right when I’m getting ready to settle in and take the world’s most uncomfortable nap, Rio walks in.

“Seriously? What the hell!” I lean back in my chair.

Rio winces and shuts the door behind him. “Sorry.” He’s wearing a suit and tie today and there’s something about seeing him all dressed up with his tattoos peeking out above his collar that sends a fluttering through my stomach.

“Aren’t you supposed to be my lawyer? Wouldn’t a lawyer make sure I’m treated fairly? Not to mention the fact that you’re my boyfriend?” I give him a pointed look.

Rio’s eyes widen, and a charming smile stretches across his face as he strides to me. “Did you just call me your boyfriend?”

“Uhh . . .” I didn’t think he’d catch that, but that’s what I agreed to, right?

He peers down at me. “Say it again.”

My eyes dart around the room. “Boyfriend?”

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