Hideaway (Devil's Night 2)

She dug the phone out, and I saw a green light flash, knowing it was hers that had been buzzing.

She swiped the screen and tapped a few times, then read.

“What is it?” I asked, seeing her just stand there frozen.

She dropped her hand to her side, not looking at me.

“Vanessa arrived early,” she said quietly. “She’s here in Thunder Bay.”

Banks

Present

The faint ding-dong of the doorbell carried up to Damon’s room, and I closed the lid to Kore’s tank, walking to the window. The limo my father sent for Kai sat out front.

My stomach knotted. It was time to meet Vanessa, and I didn’t want him in this house with her. I didn’t want her anywhere near him. Why did he come?

I swung open the bedroom door and descended the stairs, hearing my heart beat in my ears. I could tell him I wanted to stay with him, and this would be over. I could tell him I wanted to be with him, and he would take me, and we could both leave here.

But I couldn’t guarantee him my loyalty. I knew I couldn’t.

Closing the door at the bottom of the stairs, I rounded the bannister and headed down the next set of stairs, already hearing Hanson open the door and greet the guests.

“Good evening, Mr. Mori,” he said. “Mr. Grayson. Miss Fane. Please…”

Will and Rika, too? I was kind of grateful, actually. They didn’t want to see Kai do something stupid, so if they stepped in, I wouldn’t have to. I wouldn’t have to choose.

Kai came into view, and my steps slowed, locking eyes with him. It took everything not to smile.

I loved how he looked up at me and just stared. I loved how his right eye pierced a little more than the left. And I loved how just the sight of him made my stomach flip.

His gaze fell down my body, softening as he took in my new clothes. Nothing over the top, but the new jeans fit at least, and I really liked the white, V-neck T-shirt and cute military jacket. I’d even donned a tiny bit of the mascara Alex forced down my throat last night at McGivern & Bourne.

“Kai, how are you?” Gabriel approached, holding out his hand.

But

his tone was false, and Kai’s body was tight. They weren’t fooling each other.

I descended the rest of the stairs and stepped up next to my father, not really sure if that was where I was supposed to be. If it wasn’t, I might be in for another confession later.

My ass was still a little raw from last night.

Gabriel cast me a quick look and then turned back to Kai. “You got her out of those rags,” he said. “Well done. We kind of miss her around here, actually.”

My father nudged my chin with his fingers, and Kai’s eyes narrowed on him.

“Will,” Gabriel greeted, shaking Will’s hand. “Good to see you again.”

Will nodded, probably the one who knew my father the best out of the three of them, since he and Damon had been pretty close.

“And Erika Fane.” Gabriel stepped forward, invading her space and holding out his hand. “Gabriel Torrance. I believe you know my son.”

Her eyes shifted, looking uneasy, but she took his hand, shook it, and pulled away quickly. I couldn’t believe Michael let her come without him. He was kind of blind, but I hadn’t pegged him for ignorant.

“Crist is a lucky man,” he told her. And then he moved aside, gesturing for them to enter. “Let’s step into the den.”

Gabriel turned, leading the way down the hall, and I followed, walking at his side. But a grip caught the back of my jacket, and I sucked in a sudden breath as Kai hauled me backward.