Page 63 of When Sinners Fall

“Well, I know that you have several bars and clubs. A haulage company and some other stuff.” I think back over the information I dug up and what Dante’s told me.

“There you are then.”

“Yes, but do you manage a bar, or are you a driver, do you oversee things?”

He laughs lightly. More like chuckles darkly. That does remind me of Dante. Moody. Disarming even. Although, he's a far more staid version of the same menace I'm beginning to understand. “You’re really asking me this?”

“Actually, I’m trying for a conversation,” I snap. He looks at me with a quizzical expression as if my tetchiness intrigues him. “Do you know where Dante is?” Part of me wants to call him – check it’s okay for Abel to be here.

“Yes.”

“Will you tell me what he’s doing?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“Do you really want to know?” There’s something about that line that makes my heart skip a beat. Dante told me there were things he wouldn’t share. “What’s it gonna be, Wren. It could be something you’re not ready to hear.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know what we do. Use your imagination.” He smiles and keeps staring, and it does nothing to reassure me. Memories of Paul and his cheating ass come to mind.

No.

Dante wouldn’t do everything he’s done – beat up a guy, hell, kill a guy for me, and then go and cheat. Would he?

My brows draw together, and I look around for space. There isn't any with him here, so I do the only thing I can think of to get myself some peace. “I’m going to bed. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow. Lock the door on your way out.”

“I’ll be in the guest bedroom.”

I look back at him, casually still sitting in the chair, and shake my head. Of course, he will be.

~

I tossed and turned all night. The whisky didn’t help knock me out, and with the knowledge that Abel was in the next room, it felt… weird. Plus, my thoughts were scattered, all in the direction of Dante and what he might be doing. Although, he said he did the dirty work. Was there more, and how bad was it? And I couldn't get rid of Abel’s dig about really wanting to know. And I'm still not sure I know the answer or want to hear it either.

After showering and dressing, I creep out of the bedroom, hoping that Abel will have left already, but as I peer around the door into the kitchen, I see him sitting at the small table with his phone out. Same suit. Same shirt.

I hang my head for a moment, close my eyes, and hope he might disappear when I open them again. Nope!

“Good morning,” I mutter as I head for the coffee. At least he's had the decency to make some.

“Morning. Sleep well?” He glances up at me.

“Fine, thank you. I need to get to work.”

“I know. Louisa Sage.”

“How do you know…” I trail off. Of course, he’ll have looked into what I do.

“Well, it was nice meeting you.” I grab the coffee from the side, head to the other room to collect my laptop bag and Dante’s sunglasses, and head for the door.

To my alarm, I hear footsteps after me.

I turn with my hand on the door. “What, Abel?”

“I’m taking you to work.”