Ready Or Not (The Hunter’s Club #2)

Chapter 31

31

When The Darkness Comes - Jeris Johnson

I’ve just pulled into the lot when my Bluetooth kicks in with a call. I park and check my phone. It’s the blocked number again, and I immediately answer.

“Riley.” I grin. If she’s where I think she is, this call is coming right on time.

Silence.

“Riley.”

There’s a sound, and then Rachel’s voice comes across the line.

“Manson.”

Immediately, I still. I didn’t expect Rachel. I’m not sure what their dynamic is at this point, but if Riley is good at her job, which she is, Rachel is deep in the grips of Stockholm right now. Probably thinks she knows Riley and that Riley likes her.

Part of me wonders if Riley does like her, and that thought makes me mad. What does Rachel have that I don’t?

Nothing. The answer is nothing, and Riley is just doing this to piss me off.

Riley’s voice comes across the line. “Rachel wanted to tell you where she was. Says you can come pick her up since you’re less dangerous than I am.” Her tone is mocking.

“Oh yeah?” I watch the traffic move across the street in front of me. “It’s a bit of a drive out to Noel’s place. Not sure I want to come get her.”

Silence.

That silence confirms exactly where they are. I keep talking, “Noel doesn’t live there anymore. But you could have just called me, and I would have told you that.”

In the following silence, I know Riley is seething.

“Let’s stop playing games, wife. Come back to the house.” I say it gently, but I want nothing more than to punish her. I hate that she never told me. I hate that she just confirmed my deepest fear.

Riley’s voice comes on, just as melodic and pretty as it’s always been. “Manson, get this through your head. We aren’t a thing. I’m not your wife. I don’t want you. Never have, never will.”

Something odd rushes through my chest, and immediately, a flash of anger follows it. “Rachel.” I grit my teeth. “I’m gonna need you to bring your girlfriend back here. Meet me at The Landings. By the way, your mother is such a nice person. Though, too sweet for me.” I let out a short breath. “Riley, we can discuss Noel when you get here.”

Silence, there’s a scuffle noise, and then the line goes dead.

I throw my bike in gear. Your move, Riley. It’s time to see how far she’s willing to go to play this game.