Off the Record (With Me in Seattle Mafia 3)

I have to put the letter down and take a deep breath so I don’t rip it to shreds before I’m finished reading.

Uncomfortable? Motherfucker.

While you were a means to an end for me, I know that you entered into our marriage with the best of intentions, and that you did love me. I’m not so heartless that I don’t recognize that. Because I couldn’t return your love, and to thank you for your loyalty and dedication, I’ve stashed some money away for you. There is a quarter of a million dollars here for you. I know that’s not much compared to what your family has at its disposal, but it’s what I can offer you, along with the money you’ll get from the sale of this horrible house.

Be well, Annika.

R

I blow out a breath, fold the note, and tuck it back into the envelope, then into my back pocket. So, he left me with a bunch of money and a lot of regret.

Generous of him, really.

I roll my eyes, take the money out of the safe, and then pause when I see a small scrap of paper.

It’s just a phone number.

I tuck it away and, more than ready to be done with this room, walk out.

Now I just have to tackle the basement, which is really the root of my hate for this home, and for the man I lived with here.

But there’s no way in hell that I’d allow someone else to deal with what’s down there. It’s too humiliating. Too horrible.

I would take a swig of liquor, but I’m still hungover from last night. Instead, I take a long drink of water and square my shoulders.

I flip on the stairway lights and feel the ball of dread grow in my stomach with each step until it feels like it might suffocate me.

When I reach the bottom and turn on the lights, it’s just…empty. There’s no sign that anything used to be down here at all. No wall of whips and restraints. No bed. No toys.

Nothing.

I blink, sure I’m imagining things. I haven’t been down here since before Richard died. I certainly haven’t let anyone else come down here.

Where did it all go?

“Annika?”

I turn and hurry up the stairs at the sound of Noreen’s voice.

“Oh, there you are,” she says with a smile. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Oh.” I shake my head and force a smile to my lips. “Nothing. It’s just already been a long day.”

“I understand. Selling a house is a lot of work. And I see you’ve been hard at it. I’m glad we’ve already taken photos for the listing.”

“Yeah.” I cringe. “I’ll get this cleaned up. I won’t be living here anymore, so I wanted to clear some stuff out. I have a dumpster coming for the trash, and I’m donating a bunch of things to charity. The rest can be sold with the house if the buyer wants it.”

“We can take care of that,” Noreen assures me. “Do you have somewhere to go?”

“Yes, several somewheres, actually. I’ll be okay.”

“Good. Okay, let’s do a walk-through, and I’ll put the sign in the yard. It’ll go up online this afternoon. It’s a seller’s market right now, so I don’t think it’ll sit for long.”

“Perfect. The sooner we can sell, and I can wipe my hands of it, the better.”

Chapter 8

~Rafe~

“My house sold in three days.”

Annika’s voice in my ear is like a balm to my soul. I’ve been staying away, letting her sort through everything she needs to figure out. I want to be there, helping her. Hell, I want to handle everything for her and protect her from any more pain.

But I know Annika. She needs to handle this on her own.

“It actually went into a bidding war, and I got more than the asking price,” she continues. “I was stunned. And then, when I had the meeting with everyone at the clinic and told them my plans, they were so sweet about it. There were some tears and hugs, but they all understood.”

“I’m sure you offered them a nice severance package.”

Her chuckle makes me grin. “Of course. It didn’t hurt. I closed the clinic immediately and referred my existing patients to other doctors.”

“You’re wrapping it up quickly.”

“Yeah.” She’s quiet for a moment.

“Did I lose you?”

“No, I—” She sighs. “Can I come see you in Seattle for a while?”

Her words come out in a quick whoosh of air, and the insecurity in her voice makes me frown.

“I’ve been waiting for you to do what you need to, A. You’re always welcome to be with me, no matter where I am. When would you like to come?”

“It’s Wednesday now, and Ivie is here helping me close up the spa. We should be done by Saturday. How does Sunday work for you?”

“What time do you want to leave?”