Page 217 of Bad Attitude
He raises a hand in placation, but Tasha’s just warming up.
“The fuckingCIAand you don’t think totell me?” She shakes her head, looking at him like he’s a stranger. “It’s not even that, is it? You didn’ttrustme enough!” Her voice cracks. “After all we’ve been through?”
“When were you going to tellme?” I add, getting to my feet too. Kurt backs up a pace, keeping us both in sight. “And when did you agree tosellme to Declan in exchange for yourbox?”
“What?” Tasha does a double take.
“Pardon?” Kurt says.
Okay, that might’ve been wrong.
“You said the diamonds were a dowry. You’ve been awfullyfondof Declan of late.”
“It’syouI’m fond of,” he says softly. “And it so happens I think Declan’s the right man to make you happy.”
“Raven, off you go.” Tasha flaps her hand at me. “Go get your man.” She fixes Kurt with a glare. “I have to strip some skin off this one.”
I cross my arms. “I’m not going anywhere. I want to hear this, and I have no interest in Declanwhatsoever.”
“You should tell him about the diamonds,” Kurt reminds me.
I should, but it can wait. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
“He’ll have handed his phone back,” Tasha points out.
“So what?”
“So how will you find him once he’s left his apartment?”
I stare at her for three loud thuds of my heart. “Uh… I might leave you two to figure this out.”
“Good plan,” Kurt mutters.
“Have fun,” Tasha says. “Don’t forget to call me later and tell me how it went.”
I’m already collecting my helmet and striding for the door. Trying not to run. Taking the steps two at a time.
Behind me, Tasha starts in on Kurt. I give him about thirty seconds before he wishes he’d told her sooner. But she can handle him; she doesn’t need my help.
I have places to be.
Shit, I should’ve gone last night. I forgot about the phone. And he hasn’t got my new number.
What if he’s already left?
I’m on my bike and out onto the road before I’ve fully thought about it. All that matters is getting to Declan before he does something stupid, like leave. Disappear without any way of reaching him, becauseI told him to.
He should’ve turned up last night. Why didn’t he?
Because you told him not to.
Because he’s giving you space.
Because he’s ‘smart,’ like Kurt keeps saying.
How damn smart is he when he didn’t come and find me? Surely the right thing to do was hammer on my door last night until I eventually let him in?
Idiot man.
