Page 16 of Devour (Blood and Roses #1)

Ariel

I cried myself to sleep last night. If Mai had been here, she would’ve made me laugh no matter how down I was. But she’s not here. I was tempted to call my parents. I froze the moment I heard my mom’s voice—

“Hello, who is it?” I cut the call, unable to speak. It’s probably for the best. I don’t want them getting involved in the mess I’m in.

It’s been three days since the shooting, three days since I stopped working at the club and started my new job at Falcone Financial. I still haven’t heard from Mai, and I can’t go to the police.

What would I even tell them? That my friend went missing after a mob shootout? That she could be hurt, or God forbid, dead? And that I know who’s involved?

He’s the CEO of one of the biggest finance corporations. A respected figure in society. His company funds countless charity events. Who would believe me if I said he’s also the head of the Falcone mob?

I glanced at the boxes stacked beside my dresser; Luca sent them over. Oyin’s Apparel. I recognize the name; it’s an expensive Nigerian clothing brand.

A few boxes even have the Gucci logo. I didn’t bother opening them. He can take my body, but I won’t let him parade me around like some dressed-up doll. I have pride too. I quickly get dressed in a two-piece tracksuit.

Standing in front of the mirror beside my bed, I run my hands over my body, checking the fit. It’s a little tight, but it’ll have to do, I’m on a mission to get his men off my back.

It’s Sunday. I hope Luca doesn’t expect me to come to work today, because I plan on seeing Noah. I haven’t been able to visit him because of the men he stationed to watch me.

I bend down near the shoe rack, scanning my limited options. I only own three comfy pairs and two heels; the rest are Noah’s.

I always made sure he had the ones he liked. I grab a black sneaker; they match my tracksuit. I’m tying the laces when a loud pounding rattles the front door. Who could it be this early?

“I’m coming!” I call out as I finish tying my laces. I reach for my phone on the nightstand and head to the door.

When I open it, I freeze. Two people stand on my front step. One is a tall man in a police uniform, clean-shaven, with sharp features. He looks to be in his early forties, but I don’t recognize him.

The other is a striking woman who seems to be in her late thirties.

She’s dressed in business-casual attire—tan slacks, a black blazer over a crisp white button-up.

No makeup, no jewelry. Not even earrings.

Her fingernails are bare, and her dark hair is pulled back into a bun so tight it makes my own scalp itch just looking at it.

Despite her lack of ornamentation, she gives off an alpha female vibe. My chest starts to beat a fast staccato; I am almost certain they can hear it.

“Miss”. .. the officer begins his voice firm but not unkind. He glances down at a clipboard, confirming my name. Miss lane

“Yes.”

“I’m officer Sam and he gestures at the woman beside him, this is detective Bianca,” I nodded.

“We’d like to ask you a few questions about the shooting at Eden’s nightclub. May we come in?”

My mouth goes dry. Luca’s warning about what will happen if I blab to the police is still fresh in my mind, I swallow hard, glancing at the woman beside him.

She hasn’t said a word yet, but she doesn’t need to. Her stare is razor-sharp—clinical and unreadable, like she’s dissecting me without laying a finger.

“I—I don’t work there anymore,” I say quickly, voice a bit too shaky. “I quit. A few days ago.”

“That may be,” the woman speaks for the first time, her tone calm but firm, “but we believe you were present during the shooting. We’re trying to piece together what happened, and your name came up.”

“Well, I didn’t see anything. I was in the…” I almost say the VIP room but catch myself.

“Bathroom.” No way am I letting them start asking who I was with. That would only make them dig deeper. Just then, a sleek black car glides by. I know it’s one of Luca’s men; it distracts me for a second too long.

“Miss Lane, are you alright?” the officer asks, following my gaze down the street.

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, forcing a smile as I try to draw his attention back. “As you can see, I was just heading out for a jog.”

I step out onto the porch, subtly putting more distance between us. “So, I won’t be able to invite you in.” The detective narrows her eyes, studying my face like she can see right through the lie.

“And I’m really fine,” I add, flashing one of my fake smiles.

She doesn’t look convinced

“Are you being—” she starts, but I cut her off.

“No,” I say too fast. “I mean… no, I’m not being threatened. Or anything like that.”

Her gaze sharpens. I can feel her peeling back layers I didn’t even know I was wearing. I shift on my feet, heart racing, heat crawling up the back of my neck.

“I just want to move on,” I mumble. “The whole thing really shook me up. I’d rather not relive it.”

The officer exchanges a glance with the detective. I hate how silent their communication is, like they already know I’m hiding something.

“We understand,” the officer says gently. “But if you do remember anything, or if you feel unsafe, you can call us. Anytime.”

He hands me a card. The detective doesn’t speak again. She just gives me one last, hard look before they turn and walk back to their car. I let out a deep breath I didn’t know I was holding when they drove off.

I quickly lock my door. The police gave me a few minutes’ head start before Luca’s men circle back. I jog toward the park, constantly glancing over my shoulder to make sure I’m not being followed.

My pulse pounds in my ears as I break into a light jog around the perimeter of the park, scanning for anything suspicious.

At the far end, I spot a taxi idling near the curb just as a woman steps out. Without thinking, I rush toward it and slide into the backseat, slamming the door shut behind me.

“Ashgrove Medical,” I gasp out to the driver, voice shaky and uneven. He catches the name and nods, turning his head slightly to glance at me, one hand still on the wheel.

“Are you okay, ma’am? You look a little… shaken.”

“I’m fine,” I lie, trying to steady my breathing. “Just… out of breath from jogging.”

He seems convinced by the excuse and shifts the car into drive. The engine hums to life, and we pull away from the curb. The taxi stops in front of the hospital, I get out saying thank you as I shut the door,

I’m heading to Noah’s ward when I catch a vivid glimpse of Dr. Eli in the garden. I pause. He has his broad back to me, so I call out to him as I walk closer.

He turns, giving me one of his wide, familiar smiles I can’t help but smile back.

He’s holding the handle of Noah’s wheelchair. As he turns it toward me, Noah lights up.

“Mum!” he calls out, his voice full of joy.

I reach down to give him a hug, holding his cheeks as I plaster kisses all over his face.

“How’s my baby doing?”

“I’m okay, Mum,” he says with a smile.

“I can see that.”

Dr. Eli speaks up beside him. “He’s been doing much better today, so I thought some fresh air would lift his spirits.”

“You haven’t come to visit him,” Dr. Eli says gently.

“Mum’s been busy—she started a new job,” Noah answered for me.

I stand up, brushing my palms on my thighs. “Yes, I got a new job. But that shouldn’t be an excuse not to come see you.”

“Congratulations on the job,” Dr. Eli says with a kind smile.

“Thank you.”

“Oh… that reminds me.” He reaches into the pocket of his white coat and pulls out a folded card.

“My sister Ruby, do you remember her?”

“Yes, I do. Your twin sister,” I say, teasing him. “You talk about her every chance you get.”

He chuckles. “She’s getting married.”

I glance at the card in his hand.

“Next month,” he adds with a proud smile. “I was hoping you could attend… maybe as my plus one?”

I catch the way Noah glances between the two of us—curious, too observant for his age. Dr. Eli is looking at me like it’s more than just a wedding invitation, it’s a question. A hope. He’s waiting for my answer, and I can already see the wheels turning in Noah’s head.

Before my son can say something adorably embarrassing, I reach out and take the card from his hand. “I’ll try,” I say softly.

Dr Eli smiles clearly pleased.

“Alright then. I’ll leave you two, but don’t let him stay out too long, okay?”

“Got it,” I nod.

I watch him leave, and I can’t help but think what it would feel like just once to choose something normal. Something good. To be with someone good.