Page 52 of Ruthless Redemption

My heart skips a beat. “He left? Why?”

“He should be back in twenty. So you might want to ditch the wine and maybe do your hair.”

I frown, confused.

“Or you could continue to look like a cheap drunk while on your hundred and fifth day of wearing the same clothes.” He shrugs. “It’s up to you, but you’ll regret it once our visitors arrive.”

“Someone is coming here?” I push to my feet. “Who?”

He pulls out his cell, ignoring me.

“Bishop?”

“Sorry. I can’t hear you.” He flicks a finger over his cell screen. “I’m too busy buying my ticket to hell.”

Asshole.

“Can you at least tell me if I need to be worried? Did he go back on his word? Has he changed plans for Emmanuel without telling me?”

Who would Matthew trust enough to bring here? Lorenzo? Another mafia connection?

“You’ve got nothing to worry about.” He keeps flicking his cell screen. “Unless you don’t brush your teeth. Your booze breath might be a red flag for our guests.”

“You want to see a red flag?” I step closer, throwing back the last of my wine. “Keep provoking me and I’ll wave one in your bad-boy-wannabe face.”

He grins. Snickers.

I stalk to the French doors leading into my room and lock them behind me. I comb my hair. Brush my teeth. Then finish with a touch of mascara, eyeliner, and a thin layer of BB cream in the hopes of hiding my exhaustion.

When I return to the deck Bishop is still in the same spot, his attention fixated on his cell.

“This better?” I ask, heavy with sarcasm.

He flicks me a two-second stare. “You’ve still got clothes on—that’s always a bonus. I guess that means your exhibitionist kink hasn’t been initiated today.”

My aggression spikes as I reclaim my seat. “I’m not an exhibitionist.”

“Tell that to my therapist.”

I know he’s only having fun. But these cat-fight conversations make me feel more alone. I haven’t had a supportive ear in weeks. The diet of ridicule is draining.

“Can I borrow your phone?” My throat aches with the plea. “Just for a few minutes.”

He looks up at me with a scowl. “Why?”

“I haven’t spoken to my daughter in days.”

“Have you asked Langston?”

My fingers twitch in my lap. “No. I think you’re well aware I’ve been trying to stay as far away from him as possible.”

“And let me tell you, it’s been a blessing not to walk in on another porn act.”

My cheeks heat, the flames equal parts rage and humiliation. “Can I have your phone or not?”

“Sorry, kink queen, you’re going to have to wait until your guy gets back.”

I fight not to give him the bird while the sea breeze whispers past my ears, the ebb and flow of the ocean doing nothing to soothe me.

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