Page 62 of Convict's Game

“That why you’re with this arsehole now?”

“Convict? It’s more complicated than that. I already knew him.”

Kane made a sound of disgust. “Don’t tell me ye trust him.”

She didn’t answer. Why the fuck didn’t we have a camera in the room so I could see her expression?

He continued. “Seriously. These men are criminals. You’re biting off more than you can chew if you’re getting involved with them. Don’t do it on my behalf.”

She made an off noise. “Funny way to say thank you for saving your ass.”

That’s what I’d wanted to hear. The sibling irritation in her tone. Though I believed their relationship, I was also acutely aware that I’d fucked up badly enough in my previous life to have wound up with a head injury and a tentative place in my crew. I needed to be smart.

“I’m not grateful. I would’ve got out by myself, and ye should’ve left me to find a way. No point two of us getting fucked over,” he grouched back.

She sighed. “I should never have asked you to help in the first place. It’s made me realise that we were never enough on our own. I underestimated what could happen. That’s on me.”

He scoffed. “On you. Heard from your darling grandmother recently?”

“She’s your grandmother as well. Don’t be a dick.”

Kane said something I couldn’t hear, then the audio clip ended. While we’d waited in the hall, they hadn’t talked for long. This was why. There wasn’t much to say. Mila had read the situation and made her decision.

She’d chosen me.

I didn’t care that it was only because of what I could offer her. Weren’t all relationships the same that way? I couldn’t stop the burst of happiness it gave.

I replied to Shade with a thanks for sending it. He’d be sleeping now, I guessed, as any good night dweller should.

From Mila’s kitchen, I fetched a glass of water then returned to the bedroom, snagging my hospital bag on the way. In her window with a view out over the sunlit city, I took my antibiotics and watched the traffic queueing below. I followed the street to a church spire in the distance which cut across the bright line of Deadwater River. In broad daylight, it was so different to the shadowed city I knew. From up here in Mila’s pristine perch, all the grime and dark underbelly of Deadwater was kept at bay. She was safe and protected. I liked that for her.

I tossed the packet back in the bag. The paperwork inside caught my attention. My address was at the top of the first sheet: 14B Hazard Place. The payslip Manny had printed for me was below, and I flipped it over to show the alternative: 212 Linnet Road. Both addresses meant nothing. Like someone else’s life scribbled on my file. What kind of man lived in two places and left no trace behind?

It bothered me how I didn’t remember shit about either of those homes, especially after last night when Mila had laid out a whole life and history. In exchange, I had nothing.

What if I had family living in one of those homes? A strange feeling took over my gut. My crew had searched for me and had been told I was dead. If my family had done the same, I was clueless, but maybe they missed me, too. Maybe someone else out there, a mother, a sister, anyone, gave a fuck and would have something to say that would help fill the gaps in my mind.

I climbed back into bed and pulled Mila into my arms. This time, I didn’t pretend it was about her. I needed the hug more than she did.

Chapter 24

Mila

Waking in a man’s arms was a brand-new experience and one I strangely liked. I’d never once had a boyfriend sleep over in this apartment, not that men had been high on my agenda. It belonged to my grandparents, even if only I used it, so it hadn’t felt right to abuse their hospitality.

All the stops were off now.

I flexed against Convict’s big body, shifting my knee over his thigh, the rough hair on his leg abrading my soft skin.

From last night, my body felt deliciously used. My limbs heavy, my pussy aching. Yet somehow, I wanted more. It was like a dam had been blown up. My sexuality had been unleashed, with only one target in sight.

Slowly, I shifted up onto my elbow and peeked at him. His face was slightly turned from me, his dark hair messy and his eyes closed. Sleep softened his rough edges, returning him to the lost boy I’d been instantly fascinated by. I let myself soak in the sight. So much had gone down in such a short time, I was in danger of believing that it hadn’t truly happened.

The tall, dark, and dangerous man in my bed was very real.

With care, I tugged the blanket down to reveal his bare chest. Need sank through me at his hard body and expanse of tattoos.I never thought of myself being all that visual, yet I could spend hours just ogling him. If I only moved the blanket a few inches more, I’d get the money shot.

I sensed rather than saw his eyes cracking open.