Page 32 of Twisted Lies 3
Glancing down, I toed the offending large chunk of old, splintered wood that had once covered the false bottom of Dad’s beat-up trunk. The trunk was lying on its side with all the contents spilled out like seashells on a beach. Righting it, I scanned inside. The false bottom was missing, and so was the red leather ledger that had been hidden in the secret compartment.
Standing up, I scanned the entire area.No ledger.“This shit keeps getting stranger and stranger.”
“Sin?” Core lifted an eyebrow, eyeing me from across the room. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m good.” I forced a smile.
Core glared at me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable before his gaze pivoted back and he continued talking to one of the officers.
I drew my lower lip between my teeth while staring at him.
A man I’d at one time thought of as my enemy was now my lover. Smoothly, Core had stepped in, taking charge of fielding the barrage of questions from the officers while I numbly rode a roller coaster of emotions—shock, fear, denial, and anger.
“Ms. Michaels?”
I snapped my head up at the sound of my name. A well-groomed, middle-aged man moved toward me.
“Yes?” I answered.
He adjusted the lapels of his jacket. “I’m Detective Talbot.” His face flushed as he studied my attire with thinly veiled interest. “Seems like you were out when the break-in occurred.” He furrowed his forehead. “You’re very lucky.”
“That’s what everyone keeps telling me,” I replied dryly.
Talbot inclined his head. “I do have some questions to ask you. First—”
I massaged the back of my neck. I’d had enough of the questions. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. I sighed with relief when Core sidled up, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“We’ve already been through the scene with your officers,” Core interjected.
“And who are you?” Talbot’s voice was clipped, as if he were irritated.
Core let out a harsh breath. “Core McKay,” he snapped. “Now, no more questions. She’s in shock. Can’t this wait until later today?”
Talbot scrutinized me and then nodded slowly. “Sure.” He turned to face Core. “Just make sure you bring her to the station today.” He gestured toward the officers. “Come on, guys. Let’s clear out.” He pivoted and marched out the door, closing it behind him.
Core swiveled me around to face him. “Are you okay?”
“No.” Feeling raw and vulnerable, I wrapped my arms around his waist. “I’m so totally screwed, Core.” I gulped hard so I wouldn’t lose my voice. “My collection is gone. I’ll have to start all over again.”
“Whatever you want and need, I’ll move mountains to make sure you have it, darling.” He kissed my forehead and whispered, “But right now, I need you to gather whatever is salvageable. You’re staying with me until we get this whole thing sorted out.”
I buried my face into his chest. In Core’s arms, I felt safe.
CHAPTER 9
Core
Disgust twisted my mouth into a sneer. I still couldn’t believe Jeff had destroyed Sin’s house. I gnashed my teeth as I climbed the stairs. I couldn’t wait to get over to the warehouse and wrap my hands around his neck, watching the life slowly drain from his eyes. Reaching the top of the landing, I rolled my shoulders to relieve the tension. First things first, I wanted to make sure Sin was settled in before leaving.
I went poker-faced before entering my master bedroom.
Sin whirled away from my floor-to-ceiling window with awe transforming her face. “I’m jealous that you get to wake up to this beautiful view every morning, Core.”
Sheer, boy-cut panties accentuated her voluptuous curves, and a body-hugging black tank top encased her tempting tits. She bit her lip as my eyes traveled from the top of her head down her curvy body.
“Unfortunately, I don’t get to enjoy the view. I normally get in really late at night, and then I leave at the crack of dawn.”
Damn.She was absolutely gorgeous with her hair cascading to her shoulders and her face freshly scrubbed. My length stirred, stiffening against my pants.
