Page 37 of Devious Truth (Vicious Sinners #3)

T he four days I’ve spent away from home and Vivienne have been like crawling naked over hot coals. By the time I deplane my jet and climb into the car waiting for me, I’m wound so tight it would take only a tiny spark to set me off.

Yosef must know it, because he starts the car in silence, cutting off the radio when it starts to play. He drives us out of the airport, heading toward the city.

I scroll through my phone as we make our way into the heart of the city. No messages from Vee. I’ve typed and deleted no less than a hundred texts since I left her apartment two nights ago. Apologizes, explanations, but none of them were sent.

It would be easier, for both of us, if I would have simply draped her over the back of her couch and punished her. Except it would have ended with the same problem. We’d be sated, but Vee would still be uncertain. She would have the same nagging doubts.

She needs time. Freedom to explore what she really wants without me pushing, without me demanding. If I’m lucky, she’ll come to the right decision. If I’m not, I’ll spend the rest of my life nursing this broken fucking heart.

I wince at that thought.

My phone rings while I’m staring at the blank text message screen.

“You’re back.” Alexander states on the other end of the line.

“Very astute of you.” I flick a thread from my pants. “Did the pilot call you when we touched down?”

“How did the meeting go?” He ignores my jab.

“I didn’t meet with him. I only wanted to put eyes on the situation.”

“And?”

“Declan O’Brien is no longer in charge. His cousin has taken over. There’s no threat to us from them.” I wasn’t going to leave it to chance about Declan being gone. I needed to see for myself that he’d been displaced and dispatched.

“So, Kieran acted on his own then.”

“He was loyal to Declan until the end. And any man who had been on Declan’s side, has been taken care of by his cousin, Killian. Kieran saw what was coming and took off.”

“That means Vivienne is safe.”

“From the O’Brien’s yes.”

There’s a heavy pause before he continues. “And from you?”

“I won’t force her.”

“So, your plan changed?”

“She made it clear she wasn’t looking for anything serious and I’m not going to keep waiting around for her to make up her mind.”

“You’re an idiot.” Elana’s voice comes from the other side of the line. “Give me the phone.”

“I thought you were with Kaz tonight.” Alexander’s voice booms.

“Ivan.” Elana sighs into the phone. “You’re a fool, do you know that? You think you can control everything just by willing it, and when it doesn’t’ work, you just leave? You left her. You asshole. You left her.”

“Are you going to let me speak or are you just going to keep–“

“You just had her sent home like some little girl in trouble, ignored her for days, then you show up, break her heart and leave her again. You’re horrible.”

“Elana–“

“She wouldn’t even come out with us this afternoon. And her friend, Max, told Nicolette that she’s been locked away in her apartment since you left. Wouldn’t even let Max in to talk with her.”

My chest twists. Two days ago, I gave Vivek the go ahead to clear out and let Vee know she was safe. When he messaged me today to let me know he was gone from her building, he didn’t mention that she’d been closed up from everyone.

Not opening the door for Max? My gut fills with lead guilt.

“Elana, I’m giving her the space she needs.”

“Maybe she doesn’t want the space.”

“She does.” I won’t bulldoze my way into her heart. The arrogance I’ve held, thinking I could just demand she be mine, astounds even me looking back at it.

“She needs you.” Elana’s voice softens. “She really needs you, Ivan.”

“I’ll talk to her in a few days, okay? Give her a little time to sort herself out, what she really wants, and then I’ll go over.” I climb out of the car once Yosef has us parked in the garage and walk through the garage to my elevator.

“No more waiting. Just go there now.” Elana argues. “You don’t know what could happen tomorrow. Something horrible.”

I hit the button for the penthouse and punch in the security code.

“She’s safe, Elana. Nothing horrible is going to happen.” The elevator slows as it approaches the penthouse.

“How can you know that?” she demands as the elevator doors slide open. “You don’t know that for sure. I know you think I’m just a silly little sister, but I’m telling you that woman loves you, and you’re hurting her!”

As I step through the foyer and arrive in the living room, my heart skids to a stop.

“Elana, she’s safe.” I barely get the words out with my throat as dry as it is.

“How do you know!” she demands again.

“Because she’s right here in front of me.”