Page 40 of Full Out Fiend

The wrought-iron gate swings open slowly, and a wave of nausea hits me. I glance around and spot a perfectly square hedge I’ll barf behind if needed. I’m unfazed by the idea, honestly. Nausea has been my near-constant companion for the last week.

I step onto the covered stone porch and inhale before I knock hard on the large, menacing double doors. I knew the house was big when he first led me through the maze to his bedroom, but standing on the porch of this behemoth building, shifting my weight from hip to hip, I can fully appreciate its size and grandeur. In the daylight, every inch of it screams money and privilege.

The door swings open, and a petite, perfectly styled blond woman beams back at me.

“Hi!” she greets enthusiastically. “I’ll help you bring everything in.” She’s sliding sandals onto her feet as her words settle in my mind.

I don’t have anything to bring in. My car’s not even in the driveway. Embarrassingly, I parked on the street, unsure of how this would go or if I’d even get the gates open.

“Um, I don’t, I mean, there’s not—”

The blonde searches my face as she steps out onto the patio, then gives me a once-over as her expression morphs from confusion into surprise.

“You’re not from Instacart?”

Good grief. Who is this woman? And where’s Fielding?

Shit. If he wasn’t expecting me… if he actually has blocked me… and now this gorgeous woman is answering his door…

“Is Fielding here?” I manage, bracing my arms across my chest in a half-hearted attempt to shield myself from her answer.

“Oh,” she chirps and tilts her head. Then her eyes go wide. “Oh…”

What is that all about?

“Yes! Oh my gosh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize who you were! Come in, please. Yes, he’s here. He’s just inside…”

She pushes through the front door as she talks, not glancing back to confirm I’m following.

I step over the threshold and pull in a steadying breath. In the daylight, this place is so much more foreboding—and our predicament so much more real.

Now that I know we have an audience, all the confidence I’ve mustered to confront the man I’ve been trying to reach deflates. And the questions simmering in my mind about who this woman is and how she knows him certainly don’t bolster my conviction.

I watch her pretty hair swish behind her as she navigates through the foyer and travels deeper into the house. She obviously knows her way around.

Does Fielding have a sister? She’s blond like him, and she’s traversing the place with familiarity. Either she’s related or…

I shudder at the possibility ofor.

Finally, she comes to a stop, standing halfway between the kitchen and a sunken great room. The entire eastern wall is made up of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of treetops and the first hints of fall foliage.

I freeze in place and scan the massive room, swallowing when I finally spot him on the couch.

Except it’s not just him.

It’s them.

There are two of them. Lounging on the same couch.

Fielding. And a mirror image of him.

Chapter 25

Fielding

“Um…guys?Wehavea visitor.”

Dem and I move to sit up at the same time, his big stupid head pushing off mine as we smack each other in the process. When I’m finally upright, I seek out Maddie, who’s standing in the kitchen. I jump to my feet when I spot Daphne by her side.