Page 26 of Ride or Die

“Of course that’s what we’re focusing on,” Kristi muttered and took a generous gulp. “He gave you his helmet?”

Riley nodded. Warmth had seeped back into her fingers and toes, and she scooted forward to eat more of Kristi’s “charcuterie” board.

“How old is he?”

Riley shrugged. “A few years older than us.” Maybe mid-thirties? Maybe he was a bit older but had great genetics.

“Let me guess. Scruff? Flannel? Broody?” Kristi eyed her over the rim of the glass. “Tattoos?”

“So what?” Riley didn’t know if Saint had tattoos.

“You’re predictable. Very predictable.”

Riley’s cheeks heated. Saint didn’t look anything like Andrew. Or the one guy she’d sort of slept with. Or anyone. “Sue me.”

Kristi raised an eyebrow, blue eyes flashing like she was considering it. She worked at a law firm that represented Cascadia’s biggest businesses and most notorious criminals. She’d do it.

“All your favourite actors are cardboard cut-outs of each other.”

“Hot isn’t a type,” Riley muttered.

Kristi threw a cracker at her. “Whatever. I’m glad you reported that prick. At least now there’s a paper trail for when he does it to someone else.” She hadn’t taken her eyes off Riley, sipping her wine.

“You think it’ll make a difference?”

“I do. To someone. At some point.” A cruel smile crossed Kristi’s face. “And if not, we can key his car. And bury him in paperwork. We can grind every single one of their businesses to a halt overnight.”

Paperwork was Kristi’s non-violent go-to for every vindictive impulse she had. Her ability to concoct bureaucratic nightmares with health reports and business licences was terrifying. Riley smiled and wiggled her toes. That would be satisfying, although she’d feel bad for Nico. Gio wasn’t his fault.

The apartment turned darker pink as the sun dropped lower.

Kristi’s dad had bought her the sub-penthouse when she was seventeen, after her mom had died. Kristi had refused to move back with him and her siblings to the East Coast, knowing her mom had wanted them to live out here. She’d lived here, alone, ever since. It was a nice apartment, but Riley didn’t like thinking about Kristi being alone here. It was… removed from everything living below.

Riley’s family had basically adopted Kristi for the last year of high school, and Kristi still texted Riley’s mom regularly. She had that, at least.

Riley didn’t mind sharing. Her mom had always wanted more kids, but it hadn’t worked out.

Kristi opened her laptop, set it on her lap, then adjusted it as Riley tucked her feet under her legs. Riley’s toes had warmed up, and the blanket fell off her shoulders.

It was going to be fine.

Kristi’s fingers flew over the keys.

“Are you starting on the paperwork storm now? Because I think we should talk about that first.”

“Uh-uh. Just work.” Kristi’s brow furrowed, eyes fixed on the screen. Gone.

Riley sighed and ate a few more crackers. She picked up her phone.

No unknown texts, so that was a win.

Riley: Thanks for the save today. I really needed that.

Riley: Nice bike by the way. I like the paint job.

Saint responded instantly, and she tried not to let it go to her head.

Saint: Anytime. I mean it.