Page 62 of Darkest Game

“Liam,” I gasp, clutching his back. This is all happening so fast and yet it all feels so right.

Then his phone rings.

He jerks back, like he just remembered that we can’t go this far and moves off me. I sit up, my face, flushing, as I shove my dress back down. Liam stares at me for a long moment before answering his phone.

“Hello?” He’s quiet before his eyes narrow and he snaps, “What? I’m on my way.” He hangs up the phone.

“What is it?”

“That was one of my guys, Jimmy. Elaine has my mother. She’s using my mom as bait.”

Chapter Twelve

Liam

“She has your mother?” Irina asks as I rush to the door.

“Apparently Elaine is at my mom’s house. She sent out word to get back to me. If she kills my mom…” I ram my fist into the wall. “Fuck!”

Irina flinches. The sight of it forces me to take a deep breath.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” I mutter. “I just need to make sure my mom is not dead. Elaine is fucking crazy.”

“Let me come with.”

“It’s too dangerous.”

“It’s me and you Elaine wants. Not your mom. Let me come with.”

“What would coming with me do? You’re going to give yourself over to Elaine to save my mother?”

Irina hesitates before she nods. “It’s me she hates. Your mom doesn’t deserve this. You told me yourself: she’s not a part of this life. She never wanted to be. You’ve kept her from it. Whereas I’ve grown up in this life. I’m at least used to it. I’ve always known my place in it. Let me come. I can help you.”

“You don’t even know my mom. For all you know, she could be terrible.”

“If she’s so terrible, then why are you desperate to go save her?”

I sigh. “Fuck. You’re right. My mom is one of the best people I know. That’s why I’ve kept her from all of this and now Elaine thinks she gets the right to do this? Fuck this. Let’s go.”

“I can come with?”

“Having you at my side will be better anyway. I can’t risk anyone finding this place. You on your own is not a good idea. Let’s go.”

We hurry out to the car and it takes around thirty minutes to get to my mom’s house. Irina and I are silent on the drive. I’m too fucking pissed to talk.

Besides, Irina and I went a little too far on the couch. If I hadn’t gotten that phone call, I probably would have taken her right then and there if she had let me. And the second I take Irina, I know I’ll never be able to let her go.

How can I want someone so badly and yet know I shouldn’t have them at all? It’s all so fucking confusing.

We arrive at my mom’s house. It’s a small ranch style on a cul-de-sac. Suburban living. And now the world of the mafia has entered my mother’s life.

“Wait in the car,” I tell Irina. “Let me handle this.”

“Then what was the point of me coming?”

“If I need you, I’ll come for you, ok? Just stay in the car. Stay low in case any of Elaine’s men show up. Keep an eye out. If you see anything…” I reach into the glove compartment and pull out a burner phone. “Here’s my number.” I text it into the phone. “Call my number if you see anything.”

“Ok.” I can tell she’s trying to sound brave but she’s actually very scared.