Page 79 of An Improper Deal (Elliot & Annabelle 1)
The freeway is a tangled snarl of cars going nowhere fast. I get off and take other roads until I somehow end up at Ryder’s mansion.
It’s practically a fortress, with thick concrete walls and barbed wire on top. Security cameras monitor the premises twenty-four seven, and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if the place also has anti-air missiles to shoot down helicopters. Ryder hates uninvited media, and he absolutely abhors psycho fans, of which he has tons.
The gates unlock at my arrival. I’m on the special guest list, and can come and go as I please.
I park in front of the main mansion and climb out. As I turn toward the marble steps leading to the front door, I hear Ryder’s voice from behind me.
“Yo, Elliot. Over here!”
He waves from the pool. I walk over. “What the hell, man? Swimming at this hour?”
“Jet lag,” he says, heaving himself out of the water. Rivulets pour down his lean and tanned body. Looks like the time in Thailand was good for him. “Want a scotch?”
“Sure.” He goes to the bar and grabs a bottle and tumblers, while I take a seat at the table by the pool.
“Your wife okay?”
“Seems to be.” I drag my fingers through my hair again. I can’t talk about her past. It’s her private life, and I have no right to air it.
With a dark scowl, he pushes a full glass of scotch my way. “Boy, Number Six really fucked things up.”
“Yup.”
“She’s lucky there was nothing sharp around. Could’ve sworn your wife was going to cut her.”
No kidding. But it was more than just outrage. It was… I forcibly breathe through my mouth, hating the tight feeling in my gut. “When do you think he’s going to get rid of her?”
“Before the year’s over. Hopefully. You aren’t the only one who can’t stand her.” Ryder’s jaw hardens. “She insulted Paige at my place.”
I take a healthy swallow of the liquor. “Is there anyone she hasn’t pissed off?”
“Dad, maybe. She needs his money.”
I snort.
We finish our scotch in silence.
“It’s only a year,” Ryder says.
“Exactly,” I respond even as my heart thumps a little harder.
“You have a good prenup in place?”
I nod.
“See. There you go. Totally protected.”
“Of course.”
“Just… Don’t let her mess with your head. Buy her something nice and she’ll calm down.”
“Does your wife calm down when you buy her something nice?”
Ryder barks out a laugh. “No. She’d probably try to brain me.”
I make a noncommittal noise. “Mine would probably do the same.”
“Reeeeeaaaaaally?” He cocks an eyebrow. “So where did you find her?”
