Owned by a Sinner (Sinners 2)

It’s only a matter of time.

Unless.

Liam.

Knowing I can’t hide in the stall forever, my fingers feel numb as I open the door. I walk to the basin, and unable to look at my reflection in the mirror, I wash my hands and splash some water over my face.

I’m hesitant to leave, not that I’ll be safe here.

Calm down. You can’t make a scene at work.

Just calm down so you can think.

It takes more strength than I have to leave the restroom. Sitting down at my desk, I glance back to the boardroom. I can hear the soft murmur of voices as the meeting continues.

When I turn my gaze to the desk, I notice a note with two painkillers.

Take them. If you don’t feel better by the time the meeting ends, you can go home.

Liam.

My hands fly up to cover my face as my emotions spiral out of control. I can’t keep the sob from escaping my lips, my entire body trembling.

The phone starts ringing, startling the hell out of my frazzled mind. I swallow the tears down, taking a quick deep breath, then answer the call. “Kiara speaking.”

“Girl, you sound sick,” Denise’s voice comes over the line.

“PMS,” I lie. “The cramps are killing me.”

“Do you need painkillers?”

I look at the note Liam left and almost start crying again. “No. I have some. Do you need something?”

“Oh, right. I have a call for Liam. It’s Mrs. Crowe.”

“Okay.” Denise puts the call through. “Morning, Mrs. Crowe. It’s Kiara speaking, Liam's temporary assistant. How can I help?”

“Where’s Devon?” she asks.

“He’s on vacation.”

“Oh. Can I speak with Liam?”

“He’s in a meeting. I can get him to call you back.” My body’s still a trembling mess. I don’t know how I’m even having this conversation right now.

“Please, dear. He has my number.”

“Okay. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

I end the call, and lowering my head, I try to regain control over the chaotic emotions swirling in my chest.

I can’t believe Finn grabbed me between the legs.

An intense wave of disgust rolls over me, making my skin break out in sickening goosebumps.

The only thing counting in my favor today is the meeting that should last a couple of hours.

Slowly, I lift my head, my eyes finding the note again.

I can’t let this continue. I need help.

Dad said no one dares go against Liam. Does that include Finn?

The elevator doors open, and Will steps out.

I quickly sit up, and moving the chair forward, I force a smile to my face.

Will takes one look at me, then frowns. “You okay?”

I nod, then say, “Mr. Byrne’s in a meeting.”

“I just need to tell him something.” My eyes follow Will as he walks to the office, and after knocking, opens the door. “Liam.” He gestures with a nod for Liam to step out into the hallway.

I can’t tear my eyes away from the door, and the moment Liam comes out of the office, emotion wells in my chest again, making my eyes burn.

I can’t hear what they say, but when they’re done talking, Liam glances my way. A frown forms on his forehead, then he walks toward me. “Did you take the painkillers?”

“Ah…” I glance at the two pills. “Not yet.”

Turning around, he walks to his office and seconds later comes back with a bottle of water. “Take them,” he orders as he sets the water down in front of me.

While I pop the pills into my mouth, washing them down, Liam turns his attention to Will. “Get going.”

“Yes, boss,” Will chuckles.

Again, goosebumps spread over my skin.

Does Will also work for the mafia? Does Denise know?

Liam looks at me again, then his eyes narrow. “Just cramps?”

No. It’s so much worse.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to blurt out everything, but instead, I nod.

His blue eyes soften. “Let me know if it gets worse. Okay?”

I point at the note. “Thank you.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “You’re welcome.”

I watch him go back into the office for the meeting, then my shoulders slump.

You need to tell someone, Kiara.

Chapter 15

Liam

The meeting ran longer than expected, and I spent the rest of the afternoon returning calls.

Glancing up, I frown. There’s been a strange tension hanging in the air, and I can’t figure out what’s responsible for it.

My personal phone starts to ring, and picking the device up, I answer, “Liam.”

“It’s Luca. Just checking if you got the payment.”

I’ve been laundering money for years for the head of the Italian mafia, and in return, he supplies me with the weapons I need.

“Yes, I’m heading down now to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

“Good.” I hear him inhale. “How are things in Chicago?”

“Some Sicilians popped up here again, but I’m dealing with the problem.”

“Didn’t the stupid fuckers learn their lesson?”

“Apparently not,” I mutter. “Can you ask Viktor to check for any information he can find? Maybe there’s underground chatter.”