Page 57 of The Games of Madmen

“Ally, what time is my niece coming home?”

“An hour,” I rush out, jumping off the stool and turning the coffee machine on. “In an hour.”

I’m being too jittery and obvious.Calm down, Alyona.

“My brother’s never killed anyone,” he states, coming up behind me so close I feel his breath on the back of my neck.

“What?”

“Jeremiah,” he says, matter of fact. “He wouldn’t knowhowto kill us. He’s never had to do anything for himself because he’s always had me.”

“He had a gun,” I whisper, pressing the buttons to make an espresso. Exhaustion is finally washing over me.

Adam presses his body into mine from behind, crowding me in. “It’s for show. I gave it to him so he would feel important. Dangerous. But he doesn’t even know how to use it.” Cool air breezes up my spine when he moves away. “I’ll go meet back up with Levi and help look around for Jeremiah.”

“Wait,” I gasp, panic driving my actions. Grasping onto his shirt, I tug him toward me. “What if he’s right?”

“About what?” he probes, his gaze darkening as he studies me.

Flicking my eyes up to his, peering through my lashes, I bite my lip. “I’ve denied that there’s an attraction here. Been defensive about it, but what if…”

“Shhhh.” He smiles, swiping his thumb over my bottom lip. “Let’s just find him first. The rest we can sort out after.”

My phone pings, and Adam’s attention darts to my pocket.

“That could be him,” he says, gesturing at it.

When I don’t pull it out of my pocket, he frowns and reaches to do it. I shake my head and step back. “Sorry, it’s distracting when you’re so close.” I offer a timid smile, but he’s still frowning.

Slipping my phone out, I glance at the screen and shake my head. “It’s just Amelia.”

“What does she want?”

Ignoring him I change the subject, “Do you think we should call the police?” I ask, stealing his focus from my phone.

“No. Not yet. Let me try and find him before we involve the cops.”

“Are you sure? Maybe…”

“Ally,” he snaps, grabbing my chin with his thumb and forefinger spitefully. The prick I know so well stands in place of the lust driven man from moments before. “I’ll find my brother. You do your job and wait for Roza to come home. Don’t mention anything to our mother and wait for me to return. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Good girl.” He pats my cheek before turning on his heel and leaving.

A shudder rocks my body. I have to stop myself from taking another shower to wash his ick off me.

Swiping to the message on my phone, that was, in fact, not Amelia, I sigh in relief when I read the message.

Done.

“Ally!” Adam’s voice blares from outside, and I freeze.

Shit. He’s found the nun girl’s body in his vehicle…

“Ally.” He pushes through the front door, eyes wild and wide, phone in hand. “Levi says the police found a wreck about three miles from here.”

Thud. Thud. Thud.