Page 78 of Filthy Little Lies

“That’s Roman’s job. He makes sure we are protected from those threats. It’s also why coming to these things is important. Keeps us in the public eye as a legitimate business family.”

“I don’t think everyone is buying it.” I smirk.

“No, but they know better than to say out loud what they’re thinking.” He spins us and my feet leave the floor for a brief second before he puts me back on the dance floor.

And I step on his foot again.

“Sorry.” I wince on his behalf. These heels are no joke; I could probably break a toe if I’m not careful.

“We’ll get you dance lessons before—” he trails off, his eyes meeting something over my shoulder that grabs his full attention.

“What’s wrong; what is it?” I ask as he releases me, and I turn to see what he’s looking at.

Roman stands at the entrance of the ballroom, a fierceness on his face that I haven’t seen before.

“I’ll be right back.” Gabriel leaves me on the dance floor, stalking through everyone milling around with their after-dinner drinks. If he wasn’t the height of a giraffe I might lose him among the partygoers.

After nearly getting stepped on by the fellow dancers, I move to the edge of the floor, still watching as Gabriel and Roman talk. A moment later, they slip out of the ballroom and into the hallway, so I make my way to our table.

Whatever is going on, it’s not good.

I take the opportunity to check my phone again, thinking to ask Cassie how Lucian knew what time she was leaving this morning. But when I open my phone, there’s a litany of messages from Cassie.

All of them about Tony.

After I read the last one, I look up to find Gabriel storming toward me. Ice claws its way down my spine.

“Gabriel—” A shake of his head cuts me off.

“Roman is taking you home. Go with him.”

“Gabriel, wait, I need to talk to you first.”

Without a look or another word, he storms off in the same direction he came. Roman stands behind him, waiting for me.

CHAPTER 23

Savvy

Roman won’t talk to me. Or look at me. And Tony isn’t answering his phone.

My stomach is in knots when we arrive back at the house. One of Gabriel’s men comes down the front steps carrying a box. Then another man and another box.

“Wait.” I rush toward the second man, recognizing my keyboard sticking out of the box. Roman grabs my arm and holds me back.

“What’s going on?” I demand. “Why are they taking my stuff?”

“Gabriel’s orders.” Roman lets me go when the last man passes through the front door.

I bolt up the stairs and straight to my room. It’s empty. They took everything. Every printer, every computer, all of my notary tools, everything.

I jam my hands into my hair, biting onto my lip as my heart rate climbs. My throat closes in as I try to take slow breaths.

Grabbing my phone, I try to get a hold of Tony again. Still no answer. I try Cassie and she answers on the first ring.

“Finally!” I yell into the phone, staring at the empty table where my main computer setup had been only an hour ago.

“Sav.” My heart sinks just by her tone.