Page 22 of Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

“Used to?” Chloe raises a brow. “I’d believe you except I’ve found him quite embarrassing in all the time I’ve known him.”

She doesn’t realize how in the forty-eight hours I’ve known her, I’ve acted more like my old self than in the past three years. It’s disarming how much I like messing with her. I don’t even know who she really is, but I enjoy the way her cheeks flush from embarrassment.

“I’m glad to know he acts like his usual self around you.” Maya smiles at Chloe in a way that has my stomach turning.

I hate lying to my sister, but what is a white lie in the grand scheme of things? Okay, more like a few lies. Starting with the fact that I’m hiding how famous Noah is and my connection to him.

Chloe walks through my house, barely attempting to hide her surprise as she takes in her surroundings. Maya distracts Noah, giving Chloe the opportunity to gape.

I get it isn’t what people expect. While the castle has a gothic look on the outside, I chose comfortable furnishings for my prison. Plush couches and fluffy carpets set a welcoming tone despite the asshole who lives here.

“Not what you expected?” I walk beside her, holding a squirming Marko.

She runs a finger across the back of a velvet gray couch. “It looks different in the daylight.”

I chuckle. “I imagine with your line of work that you don’t get the chance to appreciate it all.”

Her eyes narrow at me. “I want to punch you right now.”

I put Marko between us, pretending to cower. “No violence in front of the child.”

Her scowl turns into a small smile as she tickles Marko, making it challenging for me to hold on to him as he wiggles around.

“Clever.”

Chloe falls in line with everyone else, grabbing a plate and serving herself before sitting next to me like we do this all the time. Noah cuts Marko’s food while my sister nurses her cup of coffee.

“So Chloe, I hear you like restoring cars.” Noah looks up from Marko’s plate.

Leave it to Maya to share everything about Chloe with Noah. Where did she find the time? My sister’s eyes dart around the room, not landing on anything.

“Oh, I do. It’s my absolute favorite hobby.” Chloe looks at me with pinched brows.

I don’t bother restraining my enjoyment. A loud laugh escapes me, which results in Noah staring at me for a few seconds.

“What’s your dream car?” Maya props her elbows on the table.

“Umm. A 1967 Chevy Impala. If you throw in Dean Winchester too, I wouldn’t

be opposed.” Chloe doesn’t even stumble as she comes up with that response.

“I love Supernatural too!” Maya swoons.

“You love the guys on Supernatural. There’s a difference.” Noah smirks.

Chloe listens to Maya and Noah go back and forth, tugging at her bottom lip with her teeth in a way that isn’t meant to be sexy. The move has my body aching in ways I haven’t felt in a long while. So fucking long, instead of enjoying it, I’m wary of the attraction I feel toward her.

You know nothing about her, and everything you do know is a lie. And letting my guard down isn’t something I’m keen on doing anytime soon.

“And you said you worked at a daycare before coming to Italy?” Noah asks.

“Yes. For about four years.”

“What’s your middle and last name?” Noah eyes her.

“What is this, an interview? Do you want her social security number while you’re at it?” I interfere before Noah gets out of hand.

“That would make this process easier.” Noah shrugs.