Page 41 of Lavish

My phone began to ring in my pocket, and I dug in, lifting it to see a number I didn’t recognize.

“Miles,” a man’s voice rasped, low and oily, slick with familiarity. “Long time.”

I stiffened; I knew that voice.

“Victor.”

Then a soft laugh. “I was wondering if you’d answer. You always were a polite boy. Even when you were desperate.”

“We have nothing to talk about. I paid you back. Every damn cent. With interest.”

“Which I’m glad you did. I would hate for it to have to get ugly between us. You know I don’t like that.”

I swallowed and clenched my fists. Over the years since my last dealings with the “businessman”—and I used that word extremely lightly—I’d heard through the grapevine what happened to those that didn’t pay him back promptly which I did. So why was he calling now?

“Touched as I am by this random-ass call,” I said tightly, “I’m busy. So maybe get to the part where you tell me what the hell you want.”

“You’re valuable again, Miles,” Victor said slowly. “I always knew you had it in you, son.”

“You did, huh?” I couldn’t help but puff my chest out. “Glad the streets are talking. I’m hanging up?—”

“I’m coming back to town for a visit. When I get there, I want you available.”

“That’s not poss?—”

“It is,” he cut in. “See you soon.”

The line went dead.

I sighed and pocketed my phone, rubbing my face. Well. Shit could have goneworse.

That was fucking terrifying in itself.

You justhadto take the money.

I heard footsteps. I saw Laurene walking toward me with a veil.

“Miles?” Lu waddled closer. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit.”

She just nodded knowingly, then looked down and touched the veil. “I hear you. This kind of thing…it’s not easy. But you’ll be surprised over time it gets easier.”

I remembered the abrupt wedding between her and Reese. She was probably the only one truly who understood my predicament and all the challenges that came with it.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen. But her? Of all people, Lu?”

Laurene looked at me closely. “It’s not just about what happened with your dad, is it? It’s from before.”

“Huh?” I squinted at her.

“I know, Miles.”

That made me blink, and Laurene gave me a look.

“I saw you sneak out her bedroom the day before the summer soirée.”

Well, shit.