Page 109 of Ride or Die

Nico was looking at Kristi like she was a secret he wanted to know, and Riley straightened her spine.

“We can’t—”

“It’d be rude not to, at this point,” Kristi said as she gave Nico a mean smile.

Kristi squeezed her hand, and Riley unclenched her teeth in an impressive feat of strength.

“I’m glad you’re here. And glad you’re feeling better.”

Riley tensed as Nico slid closer. Out of the corner of her eye, he smiled softly. Had he always looked at her like that?

She didn’t know this game, but she could play it. She had to.

She pressed her lips upwards and nodded. “I am feeling better. Thank you.”

“I haven’t met your beautiful companion,” Nico said and gestured for Kristi to sit.

Kristi looked like she’d scented blood and Nico’s smile flickered.

“Kristi,” she extended her hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.” Riley heard Dark Prince of Fraud on the edge of Kristi’s lips, but she caught her eye and she didn’t say it.

Riley barely breathed as Nico leaned past her.

“I’m sure.” His tone was cool.

Does he know about the spreadsheet? Nausea rolled through Riley’s gut.

“I have to ask—are you going to the police?” Nico murmured to her as Kristi settled onto the low couch.

Riley blinked. She couldn’t breathe. “About what?”

“For a restraining order. For Gio. What he did was… terrible.”

Did you know he came to my apartment?

Riley bit off the insane desire to laugh—she knew what he expected to hear.

Nico’s eyes filled with care. He touched her low back as he guided her to her seat.

“No.” Riley matched his tone. “I was hoping you’d take care of it.”

She looked up at him from under her lashes.

Kristi was watching them out of the corner of her eye as she pulled out her phone and crossed one long leg over the other, foot bouncing in the air.

Riley found Nico’s eyes on her. “I’m pleased to hear that. I’ll handle it,” he promised.

Riley shoved away the warmth his words brought.

“But take all the time you need away. Gio knows he made a mistake and it won’t happen again. And bella, thank you for trusting me.”

Riley worked to keep her face soft and serene. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Nico.

“Of course,” she murmured and sank down next to Kristi.

Nico smiled at her, and it might have meant something. Before.

“Now, how do you two know each other?”