I take a deep breath and click on the first file, which was only a few days after I was taken. It’s a conversation between Tarquin and Narcisa in the hallway. The more I listen, the angrier I get with every passing word.
They aren’t talking about how I’m missing or trying to find me. No, they’re having a conversation about where they’re going to meet later that night.
I open another file, and it’s much of the same. Sexual whispers and moans. Giggling and groaning. File after file proves that Tarquin and Narcisa have been in a secret relationship, and God knows for how long.
They can’t even deny it because the file I just opened is them fucking on my goddamn bed. Not only are they screwing, but they are also using my bed to do it! How long has this been going on?
I’m filled with anger and betrayal. I’m not surprised by Tarquin’s actions. He’s the type of person who would do this, but my sister . . . I’m blown away that she’d stoop so low.
From everything I’ve heard and unfortunately seen, I figured out this had been going on long before I was taken. It was going on when Tarquin was supposed to be with me.
Neither of them gives a shit about anyone but themselves. They are selfish assholes. Assholes who I think would want me out of the picture.
My sister and my boyfriend. Two people that want more than they deserve.
I’m hurt, but honestly not surprised. Isn’t that crazy? I feel like I should be surprised about all of this. Narcisa always wanted what I had, and Tarquin was no different.
I don’t know what I expected to find when I opened these files, but it wasn’t this. I thought I’d hear a conversation somewhere about someone looking for me, but I didn’t find anything like that.
Instead, I realize how my life is nothing more than betrayal and lies.
I blow out a breath and put the phone down. I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans and close my eyes. “Life isn’t supposed to be like this,” I whisper to myself.
I hear a door and snap my eyes open. Reno is walking toward me, so I quickly pick up his phone and clear the browser history.
I’ll need to tell them soon enough. I can’t keep lying to them, and the fact is people are coming for me. All I can do is hope and pray that he won’t abandon me when I need him the most.
He squeezes my shoulder as I hand him his phone back.
“Find what you wanted?” he asks, searching my face.
“No, but I found what I needed,” I say, shrugging.
Things are only going to get crazier, and I need Reno by my side when that happens.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Reno
“We’re indebted to you for helping Reno and Valencia out of such a sticky situation,” Boss tells Drifter as we’re sitting down in her office. I went to check on her after it happened, and she asked to borrow my phone.
“It’s no big deal. I would’ve intervened if anyone was going after a woman,” Drifter admits, running his fingers through his long brown hair. He’s the rugged type you don’t see too often around the city. He’s built like a brick house, and his hair is so long that it gives you surfer vibes. I don’t know hardly anything about this man other than the fact he stepped up when we needed help.
“Well, I still appreciate it. Are you passing through, or are you here for a little while?” Boss inquires. We know Drifter has a bike, obviously, and if his name is any inclination to what he does, he’s more than likely a Nomad.
“I planned on staying in New York for a month or two, tops. I usually ride around the States, see what there is to see, pick up work along the way and all that,” Drifter comments, and Boss nods in understanding.
“Okay, well, I think we have an open bedroom, and I’d like to offer it to you for as long as you’re here. It’ll save you some money while you’re here in the city, and it’s the least I can do for what you’ve done by helping members of my house.”
Drifter swallows hard and takes a moment before he says anything to Boss. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine managing on my own. It’s what I’m used to doing. I’m a Nomad.”
“I understand, but it isn’t an empty offer. Get your shit over here because you’ve earned that bedroom. It’s free, there’s an en-suite bathroom for your own privacy, and I’ll give you a key. Whenever you decide it’s time for you to move on, simply find me and give it back, and know that you’ll always be welcome back here whenever you’re in the area. The Iron Vex MC doesn’t forget friends.”
Drifter takes a deep breath. “All right. I reckon your digs are much better than what I’m dealing with right now.”
“I’m sure they are. What, did you find a bedroom with a shared bathroom that has some sort of mold in the joint?” I quickly ask him, and Drifter’s eyes lock on mine.
“There’s slim pickings around here. I couldn’t be too critical about my options since there weren’t many to begin with,” Drifter replies.
