Page 103 of Devious Truth

“Yeah, I know, that’s what this prick told me, but you don’t understand, love. I go home tomorrow. I’ll be meeting with Declan for dinner.”

I grit my teeth. “Kieran, you can’t come in.”

“One night. The Santuccis are expecting me. I’ll play a few hands, then be on my way. Out of your hair. But you need to help me in.”

I close my eyes and think. Ivan is probably already here, upstairs in his office. He mentioned having a meeting with Kaz and Rurik tonight.

He’ll make more out of this than it is. Still, I pause.

“Give me a few minutes, I’ll be there.” I hang up on him and text Ivan.

Just got in. Meredith needed more staff, so I came in early.

Immediately the dots dance.

Just about to sit down in a meeting. I’ll be down in a few hours.

The dancing spots start again, then stop, then start again before his next messages appears.

Missed you last night

A current of warmth runs through me. Last night was the first night this week we didn’t sleep in the same bed.

I missed you too. Shift’s starting, I’m leaving my phone in my locker.

Good girlshows up right away, and I have to put my phone away before I let myself spend the next ten minutes staring at the only two words in the English language that can make my blood pressure rise and my panties dampen at the same time.

Kieran stands off to the side in the entrance hallway when I arrive upstairs. Igor steps around the desk toward me when he sees me approaching.

“He’s been blocked,” he tells me, keeping his voice down.

“I know, but it’s okay; let him in.”

“Ivan was very clear?—”

“I already talked to him.” I cut him off. “He’s just about to sit down in an important meeting, but if you want to interrupt him for this, go ahead.”

“Listen to the girl.” Kieran says from his position several feet away, leaning against the wall.

“He’s playing with the Santucci brothers tonight. They’re looking for him.” I make a face like we don’t want to keep the Santuccis waiting.

Igor’s jaw clenches, and he looks to Kieran then back to me. “Ivan blocked him. I’m not letting him through.”

He flexes his hand at his side, and I take note of the pinky finger on his left hand. The tip has been cut off.

If he disobeys Ivan, he’ll get more than a tongue lashing.

“Fine.” I move around him and go over to Kieran.

Grabbing Kieran’s sleeve, I drag him closer to the door, out of Igor’s earshot.

“I tried. It’s not going to work.”

He frowns and shakes his head. “I was afraid this would happen.”

My stomach clenches when he reaches into his suit jacket, thinking he’s going to pull gun or a knife on me. It’s only a slight relief when he pulls out his phone and starts swiping.

“You have a friend––Caroline, I think her name is? Dark hair, killer body, a bit of a free spirit?”

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