Piece by Piece (The Riggins Brothers #2) - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,73
the one he can turn to, the one who can turn a shit day into one that’s not so bad.
We devour dinner and snuggle up to watch a movie. I think we make it maybe fifteen minutes before we’re making out like teenagers, and Owen hovers over me, making love to me for the second time tonight.
It’s only Thursday, and this work week has been long. I’m ready for this weekend. Owen and I are going car shopping. He insists I can drive one of his, but I want my own. I’ve saved all of my money from working here since Owen barely lets me pay for anything. This is something that I want to do on my own. To say that I’m excited is an understatement.
The office is quiet again today. Royce and Owen begrudgingly agreed to another meeting for the company they were trying to buy. The owner called begging. Apparently, he was playing hardball. When Royce told him they were done, the reality of his situation hit him, and he begged them to reconsider. This time they took Grant with them. Something about power in numbers.
My desk phone rings. “Riggins Enterprises, this is Layla.” Once again, nothing but heavy breathing, and I’ve had enough. “Look, I don’t know why you keep choosing this number to harass, but this is a business. We don’t have time for the games.”
“You never were much fun,” a raspy voice that I would recognize in a crowded room replies.
“W-Who is this?” I ask, hoping I’m wrong.
“What? You don’t even recognize the sound of your mother’s voice?”
“M-Mom. H-How did you find me?”
She laughs. It’s a haunting sound. “Oh, come on. Did you really think that you just left town and I didn’t know where you were? Oh, no, my darling daughter. I’ve been watching you for years. In fact, you’ve been making me money, but we can get into that later.”
“What do you mean? How have I been making you money?” I can hear the panic in my voice. I would have been happy if I had lived the rest of my life never hearing her voice ever again.
“Now, now, I can’t be giving away all of my secrets.” She laughs. “At least not until you give me what I want.”
“What are you talking about? If you’ve been following me like you claim to be, you would know that I don’t have anything. Nothing. I don’t even have a car.”
“You’re right, you don’t, but that man of yours does.”
My heart drops to my toes. “No.”
“No? I didn’t even tell you what I wanted yet.”
“It doesn’t matter. I won’t let you touch him or his family. They’re good people. They don’t need evil like you in their lives.”
“Silly girl, they already have me in their life. They have you. You are a part of me, little girl. Don’t forget that.”
I shiver at her calling me “little girl.” It’s what she always called me. I don’t know why she bothered to name me Layla. She never used my name. Never.
“Now, like I was saying, I know you don’t have a pot to piss in, but you’ve done well for yourself. Finding a man with money. I taught you well.”
“It’s not like that. I love him.”
“Oh, I’m sure you do. That’s why you’re going to do what I tell you. I want a million dollars. Cash. You have one week to get it to me, or else.”
“No.” I push the words past my lips. “I won’t use him like that.”
“You don’t have a choice. I’ll be delivering you a package. In fact, it will be there within the hour. I think you’ll see things my way once you get it. Don’t call me. I’ll call you.” With that, she ends the call.
My hands shake as I place the receiver back on the base. I can’t believe she found me, and what is this nonsense that I’ve been making her money? I have no idea what she could be sending me, but I feel like I’m going to be sick. I hate her. I know that hate is a strong word, and I shouldn’t hold the feeling in my heart, but… I. Hate. Her.
My only saving grace is that Owen is out of the office today. I focus on taking deep, even breaths, willing my heart to slow its rhythm. My concentration is shit, and there is no point in trying to get anymore work done today. The whooshing sound of the elevator doors opening has me