Page 15 of Devious Corruption

Keith’s eyebrows are lifted so damn high they’re practically gone from his forehead. These two really need to learn some patience.

“Great. You know where it is?”

“I have the address at home. Seven o’clock, right?

“Yes. I can ask Lev to send a car if you need.”

“No need. I’ll find a garage or something.” There is no way in hell or heaven I’m letting that man do anything remotely close to a favor for me. Especially not now.

“You sure? I think it would be easier. Maybe he can pick you up on his way over.” I think this girl is trying to play matchmaker.

“Absolutely not,” I answer right away. “I’m going to thank him for his help the other night, and that’s it.”

“Uh huh.” She laughs. “Okay, I gotta run. I’ll see you at the party!”

“Perfect. Thanks again.”

“No problem.”

Once I end the call, I stare at the message with Lev’s phone number. She’s inserted a tiny black heart emoji in front of and behind her brother’s phone number.

“Finally.” Keith rolls his wrist. “Now call Lev.”

“This call isn’t going to go the way you want it to.” I warn them but hit the phone number in the message and wait for the phone to dial.

“Max.” Lev answers on the first ring.

It throws me, I thought for sure he’d send me to voicemail as an unknown caller.

“Uh, yeah. Hi.” Why are my cheeks heating? “How did you know it was me?”

“Your number is in my phone. What’s wrong?” His voice is deep with the usual rod of steel going through it.

“Nothing. I mean, well, other than you still have my brothers’…”

“Gun. I have their gun.” He provides when I trail off.

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “I need it back.”

“No.” His answer is quick and hard.

“You can’t say no.” I protest.

“Just did.”

My teeth grind together. Keith’s looking at me with annoyance, like he doesn’t understand why I can’t get the job done here.

“I need it back.”

“Maybe you should ask nicely.”

I close my eyes and push up my glasses to pinch the bridge of my nose. I need patience, and if the good Lord would see fit to grant me some here it would not go unnoticed.

“May I please have the—uh— gun back.”

His answer is immediate. “No.”

“You’re being impossible.”