Page 112 of Bound Lies

“Riley, what’s going on?”

“I’m not going to be able to visit for a few days.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“It’s a safety issue.” Ronan rubs her back soothingly, but Ciara bats his hand away.

“Kieran, I swear I’m going to slice off your balls if you did something to ruin this.” Ciara glares at me, and I hold my hands up.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Yeah, right.”

Ronan’s shoulders shake with silent laughter, and I scowl.

“Why do you always assume it’s my fault?”

“Because it normally is,” Ciara retorts.

“I miss the days when you used to be scared of me,” I mutter, and Ronan barks a laugh.

“Ciara has never been afraid of anyone in her life.” He chuckles. “Trust me, I tried.”

“We should probably get going. I’ll let you know when we make it back.” I get to my feet and wait patiently for Riley to say goodbye to Ciara, who shoots me one last glare before we head out.

As we walk to the car, Riley glances back at the house with something like longing in her eyes. “It’s nice here. It feels like a real family.”

Something tightens in my chest as I look at her, seeing the shadows behind her smile.

“Come on. Let’s go home.”

Before Sean decides to show up and try to take what’s mine.

Chapter Twenty-Six

RILEY

The car ride back to the penthouse is quiet.

I stare out the window, watching the city blur by as I dig my fingernails into my palms, trying to keep the storm inside me contained.

I didn’t want to say anything in front of Ronan and Ciara. Instead, I nodded and smiled politely as Kieran issued another order, taking away my freedom once again.

I understand the threat, I really do, but I’m sick of feeling like my life is a bone and I’m the dog failing to catch up to it.

The moment the elevator doors slide open, Kieran steps aside to let me exit first.

I storm straight into the living room before whirling around and exploding. “What the hell, Kieran?”

He blinks, clearly thrown off by my change in attitude. “What?”

“You tell me I can’t hang out at Ciara’s anymore, and you just expect me to smile and nod?”

“I told you, it’s not safe.”

“That’s bullshit. Ronan’s estate is probably the safest place I could be. But for some reason, you want to keep me on a tight leash.”

“I’m in charge of protecting you!”