Undercover Addiction by Hayley B. James

Author:Hayley B. James [James, Hayley B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub

AFTER A lengthy shared shower, Riley left Connor alone to dress and brush his teeth. Once Connor finished, he found Riley seated at the kitchen bar with a tablet propped up in front of him. Connor caught a glimpse of a local news site on the screen before Riley faced him and drew his gaze.

“There’s coffee,” Riley said with a disarming smile that made Connor wonder where the monster he had witnessed at Noah’s house the prior night had disappeared to.

“Thanks.” Connor entered the kitchen and got down a mug. “Anything good in the news?”

“It’s the same old stuff, really. Bad politicians and angry citizens without power to change anything.” Riley looked up. “Since you slept over, I told Mason not to come by this morning. He wasn’t pleased. Caleb is making enemies without trying.”

“Caleb can handle it.” Connor poured coffee from the french press and returned it to its spot on the counter.

“Are your parents still alive?”

Connor glanced at Riley. “I’m not answering that.”

“By refusing to answer, you expose the truth. They are, in fact, alive, and you intend to keep it that way.”

“You think you’re really smart, don’t you?”

Riley chuckled. “No. But I find it adorable that you would care for your parents even now as an adult. You must be close with them.”

“You’re wrong,” Connor said, and Riley’s brow rose. “Mom passed away a few years back, and I haven’t talked with my dad since the funeral.”

“How strange,” Riley murmured. “But I guess it makes sense. Your job is dangerous, and I imagine it isn’t one a parent wishes for their child. Maybe your dad disagreed with your life choices, so he severed ties with you first. Or you blame your father for your mother’s passing. Perhaps you never got along with your father and only ever spoke to him to appease your mother.”

Connor refused to give credence to any of Riley’s theories. “Why are you asking about my parents?”

Riley closed the cover on the tablet and set it aside. “How does it feel to know someone worries about your well-being?”

Connor lowered his mug from his lips, caught off guard by the question. “What?”

“Isn’t it a simple question? I’m curious to know if it’s a pleasant feeling when someone—a friend or relative—is concerned about you and your health.”

“I guess I’ve never thought about it. I don’t believe my dad cares.”

Riley made a soft noise of frustration. “When you’re away pretending to be Caleb, do you know whether or not Lucas worries about you?”

Connor narrowed his eyes. Riley seemed stuck on Lucas, and it bothered him for reasons he couldn’t explain. “Everyone on the task force worries about an undercover partner. Lucas is no different.”

“Does it please you to know Lucas thinks about you?”

“I don’t think ‘pleases’ is the right word.”

Riley sighed. “Work with me, Connor.”

“I guess it’s nice to know someone wants me to return in one piece. Is that what you’re asking?”

“Yes. So it is a pleasant feeling. Thank you for helping.” Riley stood and crossed the room to the couch.

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