Page 85 of For Your Eyes Only
Grish, however, doesn't miss a thing. “You’d better get rid of whatever that is fast if you know what’s good for you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I exhale a laugh, taking another drink of my vodka.
He lets it go, but Rainey is watching, making me uncomfortable. She always acts like an air-headed little minion, but I have a feeling it’s a cover. We all have our masks, and she knows more than she lets on.
Hell, maybe I’m just paranoid. Rainey isn’t old enough to be part of this gang. She can’t even drink without a fake ID. I need to get Grish alone.
Before I do, however. “I need the john.”
He motions to the living room. “You know where it is.”
I place my empty tumbler on the table and make my way to the small, closet restroom, closing the door and turning on the tap. There’s no fan or anything, so I flush the toilet to hide the noise as I slide to the floor.
I can’t act anymore. My insides are tight and twisting tighter. Grish is acting tough, but fear was in his eyes when he walked through that door. I saw it.
Pressing the heels of my palms against my eyes, I fight this onslaught of emotion. Debbie was my friend. We grew up together, and even if she drove me crazy, I can’t get that image of her on the concrete out of my head.
She was thrown to her death, and all I can hear is Andre’s warning about the things I cherish.
Breathing deeply, I struggle for control, but it’s slipping through my fingers.
Anxiety has a tight grip on my throat. I think about everything Andre has done over the last few weeks, from demonstrating how easily he could get to Gia in the club to returning her stolen shoe at the condo. He wants me to know he can get to her wherever she is.
Gia’s Number 1 fan is my Number 1 nightmare. I won’t let him hurt her, but there’s no way I can be with her at all times. I have only one solution, and every time I think about it, my stomach revolts.
A tap on the door precedes Rainey’s small voice. “You okay in there?”
Twisting my wrist, I check my watch and push to standing. A glance in the mirror affirms my mask is back in place, and I turn off the water.
“Sorry,” I step out. “I just realized I have to go.”
“Go?” Grish’s brow furrows, and he watches as I collect my overcoat.
“I’ll be back tomorrow—possibly the next day. I just have one loose thread to cut.”
Our eyes meet, and I’m pretty sure he understands.
I leave them without another word.
* * *
Leaning forwardin my first-class seat, racing to the southern tip of the country, my life drains from my limbs in the face of what I must do. There’s no way around it.
It’s my fault. I dared to reach for happiness. I recklessly grabbed it with both hands when I had no right to touch. It was forbidden, but I broke the rules.
My choices put me here. The life I’ve made for myself dictates I must be alone. Happiness, relationships, love, they’re the price I pay to be who I am, to have what I have. Grish knew it. I know it. Never give them something they can use against you.
I selfishly put her in danger, and there’s only one way to get her out, to keep her safe.
It’s time to do what’s right, to play the hardest hand I’ve been dealt. I should have tapped out when I had the chance, but I didn’t. Now I only hope I’m convincing enough to make it work.
They have to believe me. Everyone has to believe me.
It’s the only way to save her life.
CHAPTER24
GIA