Page 48 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
Chapter Eighteen
Iris
When the intercom buzzes, I open the door, then stop at the sight of an unfamiliar honey blonde with a long ponytail hanging down her back. The concierge only calls us if a guest isn’t on the approved visitor list, so I didn’t think to check, but now I can’t help but wonder if I made the right move by opening the door.
The scowl on her face is more suited to a boxer ready to punch somebody out than a friendly guest. She’s at least six feet tall, leanly muscled, with a competent air about her. Her sleeveless black top is stretchy and molds to her small breasts and flat midsection. The black jeans she has on are slightly gray now and frayed. But those are the best kind—comfy and soft. Her boots aren’t fashionable, but they look like they can hurt you extra when she kicks.
Eyes the color of burnt caramel focus on me. “Iris Smith?”
“Yes?” I say, wondering how in the world she knows who I am. She has to be one of Tony’s friends. Or…one of his exes? Like Audrey? I take a slow step back, so I’m out of arm’s reach.
“I’m Bobbi.”
She says the name like it should mean something. And she sounds unhappy. Not enough to throw wine in my face, but enough to be nasty. Must be one of Tony’s exes.
“Excuse me!” comes an annoyed voice from behind Bobbi.
“Julie?” I crane my neck to see my friend, who’s huffing like a pissed-off bull. “What are you doing there?”
“She won’t let me past.” Julie jumps up and down, waving her arms.
“Why not?” I look up at Bobbi with a scowl. “Why are you blocking her?” I put my hands on my hips. Although Bobbi’s badass attitude is intimidating, I’m not backing down. Not when she’s the one being obnoxious.
Yuna stands next to me. Her gaze moves from Bobbi to Julie. “Who are they?” she asks, leaning toward me.
“I’m Iris’s best friend,” Julie says. “Who are you?”
Yuna’s perfect black eyebrows arch. “I’m her soul sister.” I can sense Mr. Kim gliding up behind us.
“What?”
I stand there with my hands at my hips, and Yuna copies my pose. But I know I can’t hold Bobbi off forever. Crap. Where’s Tony?
As though my thought conjures him, Tony comes in from the deck. He was tense earlier when he went outside to take the call, but now his face is stark with relief. Suddenly, I feel more confident. We could use some reinforcements.
He shakes hands with Bobbi. “Thank God you’re here.”
I stare, unable to process the scene. Thank God? He’s actually happy to see this hostile woman?
“Flight delays. Too bad they didn’t ground every plane.” Bobbi sounds slightly snarly and annoyed.
I agree: it’s too bad they didn’t. If they had, she couldn’t have made it to Los Angeles from wherever she’s from. It would’ve been nice to spend the time without her to ruin it. Tony just smiles, ignoring her less-than-friendly tone. “Come on in.”
Bobbi and Julie both enter. Bobbi studies me, her eyes narrowed, while Julie’s checking Yuna out, who is returning the favor with arms crossed.
“She’s the body?” Bobbi says, tilting her pointy chin in my direction.
The body?
“Yes,” Tony says.
I swivel my head at his ready agreement. “Hold on a minute. What’s this ‘body’ stuff?”
“The person I’m supposed to protect. Don’t you know? I’m your bodyguard,” Bobbi says with a smile that says she’d rather be eating rusty nails.
“My what?” I feel like somebody just sucker-punched me. I could swear Tony hasn’t said a word about it. I would remember. And why does he think I need her, of all people? I’m not going to be stupid enough to see Sam alone again. And I don’t think Sam is crazy enough to try coming after me.
“Perfect! I’m so glad you’re here,” Yuna says, clapping like Bobbi is an extra Christmas present from Santa.
