Page 31 of Bitter Lies

I don’t believe his story about growing a heart and remembering his granddaughter loved the painting as much as Alma. Whoever he spoke with when he stepped out forced that shift.

I need to find out who that was and what they said.

I can’t do that now, of course. It’ll have to wait until later this evening when I’m back at my place.

The private gallery in Alma’s home is impressive. The older woman has an eye for art. She sees things others don’t, and somehow, she made me see them too. That level of passion shouldn’t be dismissed. It sure as hell shouldn’t be sold off without her knowledge.

Rico double-crossing her, knowing her mind is failing, is a level of low I don’t respect. Not from the man who is supposed to love her.

Squeezing Izzy’s hip, I nod toward the stairs. “Shall we make our way to the second floor, or should we sneak off somewhere more private? Finish what we started last night?”

Downing the rest of her champagne, she sets the flute on the tray of a passing server. “Follow me.”

I don’t question where we’re going. Blindly I follow her, praying she picks option two.

Chapter 13

Isabel

All evening, my grandmother has been lost inside her own mind, chasing memories that blur with reality. It’s draining.

I should wait for her, keep her close to make sure she doesn’t slip too far.

But she’s with Marty. He’ll look out for her, he always does. He doesn’t concern himself with her flirting or bristle at her outrageous comments. He takes it all in stride.

So, I take advantage of him being the one with us tonight and do something out of character.

I have no clue where I’m taking Aiden. My only intent is to find somewhere private and let whatever happens… happen.

Could I be putting myself in danger? Yes.

Do I care? Hell, no.

I’ve always done the right thing, rarely rocked the boat. I’ll hear about this later. Get a long lecture from my head of security, my brothers, and anyone else who feels entitled to an opinion.

Passing the staircase, I walk up to a door marked private and twist the handle. It’s not locked. Opens freely, and I try not to laugh when the man trailing behind shoves me inside.

“Where is the rest of your detail?” Aiden glances over his shoulder as if expecting to find one of them chasing us.

“Just Marty tonight.” I spin into him, and he wastes no time pinning me against the wall. “This is a private event. Invitation only.”

“Silas wasn’t on the guest list,” he growls. “Paid our way inside.”

That growly voice of his has my thighs clenching.

“You should have two security guards with you always. This is the second time I’ve trapped you inside a room, out of their reach.”

I don’t want to talk about my protection.

“What do you do for Silas?” The question’s been on my mind since learning he works for a mobster. “And don’t lie. I’m not stupid. I suspect it’s illegal.”

His eyes darken, a clear warning that I’m pressing his limits. “Never thought you were stupid. Some things are better left unsaid.”

“Do you think knowing would bother me?” Reaching under his dark jacket, my hand travels up his side to the concealed holster.

“It should.” A frown creases his brow as his hand grazes my side, a gesture that’s oddly both gentle and unnerving.

When his palm warms my arse, I gasp, feeling the heat penetrate the material as it slides down my legs. Slowly, my skirt rides up with his help, until his fingers play with my lacy knickers. The feather-light touch against my inner thighs sends a wave of desire through me, my body tightening with anticipation.