Page 110 of Bound Lies

“Hey.”

For a moment, we stare at each other, the silence hanging between us like a heavy fog.

Ciara watches me closely, but for once, she doesn’t offer any sly remarks, which I appreciate.

“I didn’t think you were coming to get me until later?” Riley eventually asks.

“I need to talk to Ronan.”

“Uh-oh, what’s Brennan done now?” Ciara teases, and I huff a laugh.

“For once, he hasn’t done anything.”

“Give him time.” She laughs as she pushes herself upright and slowly tries to climb to her feet.

I quickly cross over to her and put an arm around her waist to help her to her feet. “I thought you were meant to be on bed rest.”

“I am. But these babies think my bladder is a trampoline.”

A low chuckle sounds nearby, and I look up to see Ronan leaning against the doorframe, watching Ciara as if she hung the moon.

“Do you need help?” Ronan asks.

She scoffs. “Contrary to popular belief, I am still capable of going to the bathroom on my own.”

As she passes him, Ronan bends down and presses a kiss to her cheek.

The sight of the two of them together has my chest tightening.

I glance at Riley, who’s tucking her hair behind her ear and avoiding my gaze.

“I’ll give you two some space,” she mumbles as she goes to get to her feet, but I hold out a hand to stop her.

“You can stay.”

She hesitates for a second, surprise flickering in her eyes, but she settles herself back into the couch, and I perch on the arm.

Ronan takes a seat in one of the armchairs. “So, O’Keefe is looking like he’s going to make a move.”

Riley tenses, and I silently curse Ronan for jumping straight in without any warning.

“Sean called me,” I explain to Riley.

Her eyes go wide, and the color in her cheeks fades as she looks at me, but I offer her an easy smile.

“He was just waving his dick around, don’t worry.”

“What are you going to do?” She glances anxiously over at Ronan.

“Nothing as of right now.” Then his eyes turn to me. “We don’t want to make any rash moves. But I suggest you don’t let Riley out of your sight. Sean will be waiting for an opening, and you can’t afford to give him one.”

He is talking as if I need reminding of the fact that there’s a huge red target on Riley’s back.

I turn to Riley. “I think it’s best that you stay locked down at the penthouse. Just until the threat is contained.”

“But you said⁠—”

“I know what I said, but right now, I don’t even want to risk having you in a car that could easily get intercepted. It’s safer for you to stay put.”