Page 9 of Devious Truth

“Did Ivan show you how to make that little snack?” Caroline teases, clearly following my train of thought.

“Yeah. He did.” I lean against the bar. “I know you think it’s funny that he pays so much attention to me, but he’s not taking no for an answer. That’s a big red flag, you know.”

She lifts a shoulder. “Look around you, Vee. Out of all the men in his club right now, Ivan is probably the safest man to have throwing flags in your direction.”

“Why is that?”

“Because that man doesn’t just want you like the asshole in my room wanted one of the cage girls. Like he really wants you.”

Darren brings out the two Zakuski boards and places them in front of me. “They were ready, so I grabbed them for you.”

“Thanks.” I grab them, pausing next to Caroline. “Even if what you’re saying is true, it doesn’t change anything. He’s my boss. Even if I wanted him back. It’s not going to happen.”

She grins. “Yeah, I know your rule.”

“Right.” I hip-bump her with a smile. “I better get these in there.”

A tingle runs up my spine as I make my way back to the private room, making me pause in my step. When I turn my head, I find the reason.

“Vivienne Frost?”

His voice is exactly as I remember it.

The trays slip out of my hand, spilling pickled vegetables and smoked fish all over the floor. His beady dark eyes narrow on me.

“No. I…you’re mistaken.” I spin on my heel and rush away from him.

He can’t touch me here. Security would be on him in an instant if he tries to grab me, but that doesn’t calm my panic.

“Vee? What’s wrong?” Caroline tries to stop me as I run past her.

I evade her and rush to the locker room. “I have to go. I don’t feel good!”

My stomach lurches. Panic rolls through my body as I stop only long enough in the locker room to grab my purse before running out to the parking lot.

With trembling hands, I shift my car into drive and hit the gas pedal. I need to get away from here. Away from him.

Fat tears swell in my eyes.

When I glance in the rearview mirror, I see a figure step out of the main doors of Obsidian. He doesn’t move, just stares as I drive away.

Nerves shot, angry tears rolling down my cheeks, I scream.

The sun is trying to blind me by burning a hole through my retinas.

Shoving my sunglasses on, I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s short lived, however, since the nagging ache in my head doesn’t seem to want to go away. I’ve already taken more ibuprofen than any medical board would ever suggest is safe.

My only hope now is a strong cup of coffee. And since I haven’t left my apartment in the last two days to do any shopping, I’m completely out at home.

I pull my jacket tighter around me as a gust of wind kicks up. The coffee shop is just around the corner from my apartment. It’s run down, and from the outside looks as though it’s been the victim of a few break-ins. Tape runs along a crack in the front window from where a rock struck it last month.

“Hey.” Carter, the owner’s son, greets me when the bell above the door signals my entrance.

The place is pretty empty at this time of day.

“Hi, Carter.” I push my glasses up onto my head. “Can I get a large latte?”

“Vanilla or caramel?” He grabs a paper cup.

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