ARI'S POINT OF VIEW
I woke up with a dry mouth and a tight feeling in my jaw. I must have clenched my teeth all night again. I blinked up at the ceiling of my bedroom in the silent townhouse and for a moment it felt too calm, too quiet, like the air had been paused. Then the memory hit me like a slap.
I seized all their phones. I took every gadget last night.
Maxine better not be pouting. And Marcus better not try anything stupid. My brain immediately started calculating. Saturday. They both should be awake. Derek should be here any moment since it’s early in the month and he usually comes early for his so called monthly duty and payment expectations. The thought of that paycheck made my throat burn with disgust. If Derek thinks he is getting paid he is insane.
I sat up and rubbed my f
