“Hi.” The cheery deep masculine tone comes from the other end of the line. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Hi.” My reply is weak, and I take a seat because my legs feel wobbly.
“You ok?” Ryan’s concern is obvious.
“Yeah. Just tired,” I lie.
“Ok, sorry, that would be my fault for keeping you out late. I wondered if you had to work today, or would you like to go for a walk along the Thames? I have the afternoon off, and it’s a nice day.”
“I…er…er…” I can’t answer.
“Elena, what’s wrong?”
Amy turns away so she doesn’t face me. I know she’s feeling awful for everything we’ve just discussed.
“Amy’s here.”
“Amy?”
“Yeah, she told me some things. Would you come round? I think we need to talk.”
Chapter Twelve
Ryan
The murderous intentions that I try to suppress rise to the surface. They’re not directed at my sister-in-law. She was just trying to protect her friend, but I know exactly what Elena has been told from the quiver in her voice. She knows about the revenge I tried to exact on my family. I’m a complete fucking idiot for thinking I could ever leave it behind, and I’m an imbecile for putting both Amy and Elena in the position of having to have such a conversation in the first place.
I can’t get to Elena’s apartment quick enough—my foot’s hard against the accelerator pedal as I weave through the London traffic. I’d have a difficult time explaining it to the cops if I’m stopped, but that’s the furthest thing from my mind. After putting Elena to bed, I sat and watched over her for an hour. She was beautiful, sleeping soundly with a small grin on her face. There was nothing there of the sadness related to her mother. I need to save her from whatever she’s hiding, but I fear after today she’ll never want to see me again.
When I pull up, Amy is standing outside, her arms wrapped around her middle and chewing her lip.
“I’m sorry,” she blurts out before I even have a chance to say hello.
“It’s ok.” I pull her into my arms and give her a hug. I can tell she’s been crying. “I know you were protecting your friend. I’m not angry.”
“You don’t looknotangry.”
“I’m more furious with myself for putting you all in this position. I should have been clear with Elena in the first place about my past.”
Amy shakes her head.
“No.”
“In fact, I never should have been that man in the first place.” I can’t help but thump my fist against the side of my car.
“Ryan, please.”
Sonia appears beside us, a cross look on her face. I should have known that Amy’s bodyguard, and other close friend, wouldn’t have been too far behind her. Even though she’s told me she forgives me for shooting Matthew, I know she wouldn’t hesitate to put a bullet in me if the opportunity arose.
“What’s happening?”
I hand Amy over to her bodyguard.
“She had an intense discussion with Elena. I think you can guess what about.”
Sonia nods.
“Take Amy home and get James to let her know it isn’t her fault.”
