Page 60 of Captive Audience

I was living with my stalker. No. I wasmarriedto him. He also happened to be a high-ranking Irish mobster who gave forehead kisses, and fucked like it was an Olympic sport.

I let out a sound that might’ve been a laugh, might’ve been a sob. I wasn’t sure how much more of this I could take.

27

ASHA

Bolstered by the desire to solve a murder in record time or commit one myself, I settled into my new workspace. The soft hum of the computer and the muted city sounds from far below did little to ease the disquiet in my mind.

Nothing like throwing myself into a case for a distraction.

First task on the agenda: research Niall O’Connell’s hit, starting with police reports, forensics, and autopsy results, which Rook had left for me on a hard drive.

I’d just started reading witness statements when a message came through on the girls’ group chat.

Daisy

I’ve waited long enough. Spill the tea on your night with McHottie before I hunt you down and cut a bitch.

Why were the small, cute ones always so violent?

Beth

I agree. This feels like cruel and unusual punishment. Why do you hate us, Asha?

I’ve been busy.

Daisy

Getting railed by McHottie?

Beth

Icing your pussy?

Busy WORKING. I’m serious, you guys. I have a lot on my plate right now.

Daisy

Just tell us about McHottie’s dick, then. Something to get us through until drinks on Friday.

Shit. Would Rook’s dumbass Mob wife rules allow drinks with the girls? They’d better. Friday nights with Daisy and Beth were sacred.

I might be able to put them off for a week, but I’d have to face them eventually. Which meant I needed to come up with a believable reason for the massive unmovable emerald on my finger and my one-night stand turning into my husband.

Maybe I could convince them we’d married because Rook needed a green card. Once this was all over, I’d tell Daisy and Beth the truth. But for now, to protect their safety, I had to keep this on the down-low.

I also had to give them a juicy detail or two to get them off my back.

Before I did that, I glanced at the ceiling. AC duct and a light fixture. There were probably a dozen other places Rook could fit a spy camera and I’d never find it. I hid the phone under the desk while I thumbed out my next message.

Fine. He had a very nice dick.

Daisy

How nice?

Probably the nicest I’ve ever seen.