Page 78 of Ruthless Redemption
He’s dressed in one of his pristine suits, his hair freshly washed, his aftershave infiltrating the air. He glances from me to Keira, his questioning gaze lingering longer on her than me.Why?
“They’re leaving.” I raise the mug to take a sip. “Will we all fit in the Lincoln if I come to the airport? I want to be able to say goodbye to Stella.”
“Yeah.” Matthew pats his suit pockets as if searching for a key. “How many are leaving?”
I pivot to the group, my attention on Hunter to see if he’ll dare to defy me.
He glowers, lips pressed, one brow raised in rebellion.
“We all are,” Sarah answers for him. “It’s time to head home.”
“I’ll get our bags.” Hunter’s expression doesn’t change as he pushes from the table. Decker follows. Both of them dump their plates and cutlery in the dishwasher as they pass.
“Can somebody grab mine?” Stella asks around a mouthful of juice. “It’s already on my bed. I just need to get my phone and charger.”
“I can get it.” Keira brushes a hand over my arm. “But we really need to talk.”
“Later.”Never.
Matthew stalks for the coffee maker as my sister leaves the room. I watch him watching her. His attention isn’t casual. It’s cautionary. Questioning.
They’re up to something.
“I need to have a quick shower.” Sarah takes the remaining plates from the table while Stella begins clearing the condiments.
They flitter around, tidying up while I sip my coffee, remaining silent until they both disappear down the hall.
“Did you say something to her?” Matthew asks.
“No. And I don’t think I will. She needs to think she still has freedom while I put added security measures in place.”
“Are you sure that’s the right move?”
No. I have no clue. “It’s all I’ve got right now.”
He raises his brows. “Then in that case, be careful,amore mio. I lost the woman I adore by using the same tactics.”
I fight against a wince as Bishop pushes from the table.
“What are we talking about?” He throws a bite of crispy bacon in his mouth and walks toward us. “I heard something about tactics.”
Matthew turns to him. “You need to sweep the house while we’re gone. I want every inch of this place searched.”
“Why?” The reply drips with sarcasm. “You don’t trust our guests?”
“Just get it done.” Matthew dumps his remaining coffee in the sink, then starts for the entry, his gaze brushing mine. “I’ll be waiting at the car.”
“Did I miss something?” Bishop narrows his attention on me. “The tension between you two is different.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I place my empty mug in the dishwasher and go in search of Stella, even more unsure what to say to her after Matthew poked at my plan with brutal logic.
She’s in her room, on the bed, her focus riveted on her cell.
Who are you spying on now, little fish?
“Reading something exciting?” I ask.
“Nope.” She pockets the device and smiles up at me. “Just messaging Tobias to let him know we’re leaving soon… unless you’ve changed your mind about letting me stay for one more night.”
