Page 79 of Beautifully Ruined

Me:But when I say late, it’ll be late, I’m meeting with Enzo for dinner to talk strategy over G. So maybe it’s a good night to catch up with your friend, Lia.

Violet:Look at you, thinking of me. But I might go out for drinks with some of the girls from work.

Me:Be careful.

Violet:Always.

That’s a fucking low-down lie,and we both know it.

I don’t mean she’s going to look for trouble, but she’ll possibly get into it by getting too enthusiastic.

Me:I mean it, Vi. Careful. No prodding. More soaking.

Violet:In a tub? Naked.

I narrowmy eyes and glare at the screen.

Me:I’m talking information.

Violet:I promise I’ll be subtle as I delicately prod for information.

It’s probablythe best I can hope for, and I’m more than aware of Enzo rubbernecking next to me. “Get your own girl, man.”

“No way, this is more fun.” And he flashes me his butter-wouldn’t-melt smile. “I like living vicariously through you.”

“You’re an asshole,” I mutter as the screen lights up.

Violet:Any news? Any developments.

Enzo putshis hand on my phone like I’m so besotted I’m about to tell her what I’m up to.

I glare at him. “Dude.”

“Sorry,” he mutters, not sounding sorry at all.

Me:Nothing. I’ve got some leads but they’re probably dead ends.

Violet:You’ll look into them, though, right?

Me:I’m going to follow them anyway. Yes.

Me:And if I find anything, you’ll be the first person to know.

Violet:Got to get back to work. See you later tonight. XOX

I don’t knowwhy the XOX punches me in the guts, but it does.

And I sit back and take a swallow of the Scotch.

Enzo leans back in his chair, checking his messages, and then he glances at me. “Why didn’t you tell her? You could tell her without telling her where you’re going and who you’re meeting.”

“What difference would it make? She doesn’t know the Dungeon or the owner.”

“That’s not what I mean, bro.”

“I know what you mean. I guess maybe I’ve got a feeling about the meeting, and I don’t want to get her hopes up or crush them.”

“And here I thought you didn’t want her to know about you joining the Dungeon.” He signals for two fresh drinks. “Cade, I know you. Anyone else, you’d have just spun a story. Or said you have a lead and you’re following it. But you didn’t. Is there a reason?”