Page 156 of Prey

I didn’t know how I knew this, I just did.

Dominic was quiet for a moment. “Send me the location. Micah and I will meet you there.”

I didn’t bother arguing with him. I hung up, quickly texted him Ryleigh’s location, and rushed out of the door, fucking hoping beyond hope that I wasn’t too fucking late.

29

RYLEIGH

I watchedBrent as he slowly walked closer to me.

There was something off about the way he looked, similar to how he looked when I ran into him at the restaurant, that sent fear running rampant through me.

He was in a suit and tie, but he wasn’t as put together as he normally was. It looked like he had lost weight as the unkempt suit hung off his body. His tie was loosened around his neck, his eyes were bloodshot, either from lack of sleep, alcohol, drugs, or some combination of the three, and his hair was disheveled.

I estimated at least three days’ worth of stubble covered the lower half of his face.

I barely recognized him.

“Ryleigh, don’t you think I should be asking you that? You should know not to go to places like this. It can be dangerous for a girl like you.”

“W-Why is that? Why would it be dangerous?”

He smiled, and I found myself taking a step back, only to stop when I realized I was only a foot away from the cliff.

His nostrils flared, and I didn’t know if he looked happy or concerned that I was standing so close to the edge.

“Why don’t you come closer so we can talk,” he said.

“Talk?”

He nodded.

I wasn’t stupid.

Something told me I should stay as far away from him as possible. I started to move my way to the side, trying to get away from the edge.

He mimicked my movement, step for step.

“I think I have to go,” I said, looking past him to where my car was parked. I didn’t think I would be able to run to it, not when he was standing right in front of me and closing in.

“Go where? We haven't talked since your dad’s funeral. Don’t you want to catch up with an old friend? I’m sure Roman Stone can wait, no?”

He knew about Roman, and he hated him, I could tell. The hatred raging in his eyes was so pronounced, and I didn’t know if that hate now also extended to me.

He shook his head at me when I didn’t say anything.

“You didn’t think I knew? Didn’t think I would find out that you whored yourself out to that fucker when you’re supposed to be mine!”

I shook my head, and he laughed.

“That fucking ex-roommate of yours is good for something other than spreading her legs for money.”

I blinked.Ex-roommate?

“You mean Angelica?” I asked.

He nodded, something dark crossing over his eyes. “She was supposed to keep an eye on you for me. But that bitch did something to you, didn’t she? That’s why you moved out without telling them?”