Page 110 of Vain

“Marley, do you have somewhere you can stay for the next few days? The fire marshal hasn’t cleared the place yet, and there’s a lot of damage.”

“I can call my brother.”

“I’ve got a better idea. Give me a second.” I fire off a text to Kellen and wait for a reply. When my phone dings, I smile. “Looks like you’re coming with me. Tilly has just booked a suite for you, and Greyson, when he gets discharged.”

“That’s too much.”

“I’ll let you take that up with her. She wants you close, Marley.” He sighs but gives in like I knew he would. “Alright, there’s nothing else we can do here, so we might as well head back. Thanks, Davey. Keep us posted if anything changes.”

I turn to James and offer him my hand. “I trust you’ll let us know your findings.”

“Just as soon as I have them,” he agrees.

“Come on Marley, let’s go see our girl.”

He pulls his keys from his pocket and tosses them my way. “You drive. My nerves are frayed.”

“I hear ya. I just hope the police find something that will nail this motherfucker’s head to the wall.”

“You think it’s the same person who has been stalking her?”

“I think I’m not ready to acknowledge the possibility that someone else has set their sights on Tilly.”

Chapter Forty-Two

MATILDA

Marley is barely through the door before I throw myself into his arms. He goes back a step but thankfully doesn’t land on his ass.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“It will take more than a little fire to keep me or Greyson down.” He pats my back and I loosen my hold.

Aiden swoops in and kisses me. “Sorry I left. I needed to see what was happening.”

“I get it. And Kellen’s been looking after me, though he sucks at poker.”

“I let you win,” he calls out as he walks over to us. I roll my eyes but don’t argue.

“He get you to eat?”

“I had some soup and some bread. Not sure my stomach could handle much else.”

“Hey, I’m Kellen. So you’re Marley?”

“That’s me.”

“Gotta tell you, those banoffles? Better than sex.”

We all turn to look at him, but it’s Marley who answers. “They are good, yes, but I think you might be having sex wrong.”

We all dissolve into laughter, but it’s exactly what we need.

“I’ve got you booked in across the corridor. You want to stay, or you want to get settled?”

“Honestly, I’m shattered. I just need to shower and sleep.”

“Okay. You want to come with me to visit Greyson in the morning?”