Page 87 of Romeo

Emotion burns in my throat as I stand here with him, trying to formulate the words to tell him that, until I met him, I didn’t have much of a reason to survive.I couldn’t see the point in my life—something I’m still not sure of.

But he makes me feel important.Like I’m actually worth something.

I open my mouth to respond, but a harsh knock on the door cuts my words off before I can even utter them.

“Hold that thought,” he says as he pulls away.There’s a weapon holstered at his lower back, and he raises his shirt so it’s easily accessible in the event the person on the other side of that door is dangerous.

Riley peeks through the peephole on the door then turns and offers me a confused look before pulling the door open.

The head of Odie’s private security stands on the other side, though this time, he wears a golden badge around his neck and is flanked by four uniformed officers.

“Can I help you?”Riley questions.

“Are you armed?”he asks.

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

“That’s a yes.I will give you two seconds to tell me where your weapon is and place your hands above your head.”

“What is this about?”Riley demands.

I rush forward.“This is my property.You have no right to be here.”

“Actually, we do.”He withdraws a piece of paper and hands it to me.I open it and scan it while Riley reads it over my shoulder.

ARREST WARRANT issued for RILEY HUNT who is suspected of First-Degree Murder.My stomach plummets as I continue reading.Eyes wide, I look up at the man who’s been Odie’s head of security for the past few years.Even as his name isn’t listed, it’s easy enough for me to know who the victim is.

“Odie is dead?”

“I told you that it was ineveryone’sbest interest Landers remain alive.But that just wasn’t good enough for you, was it?Now, are you going to go peacefully, or am I going to get the pleasure of knocking you down a peg or two?”

“You can try,” Riley growls.

Just behind me, Romeo lets loose a warning growl.I glance back—his hackles are raised, his ears pinned back.

“Get your dog under control or I’ll do it for you,” Odie’s head of security snaps.

“Ruhig,Romeo,” he orders.Romeo falls silent but remains where he is.

“Riley.”I speak his name.One simple word that is loaded with fear for him, shock over the death of Odie, and so many other emotions I can’t even begin to name.One thing is for sure; I know Riley didn’t kill him.

But after the fight at the hospital, I also see how he’s a suspect.

He looks down at me, and I watch the fight leave his expression.“Wake up Beckett and Tucker,” he tells me then puts his hands on the back of his head and turns around.The weapon is ripped from his back, and he’s shoved down onto his knees.

Tears burn in my eyes as I watch them cuff him for the second time in what feels like as many days.“He didn’t kill Odie,” I tell them.

“Then we’ll figure out who did, and your boyfriend can go on his way.But right now, he’s the only suspect we have.Don’t leave town, as I’ll have some questions for you soon.”

Riley is dragged from the house, and I stare after him.

Romeo tries to run.He barks shrill, panicked sounds as I reach down and grip his collar to keep him from running out after his owner as he’s loaded into the back of a police car.

“What just happened?”A sleepy-eyed, bare-chested Tucker sprints down the hall and rushes out onto the porch.

I hand him the warrant.

“You havegotto be kidding me.”He turns and rushes back into the house, heading toward the bedrooms while I remain on the porch, staring after the cars as they speed down the driveway with the man who holds the last remaining shreds of my heart.

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