“Yes,” I said in a bored tone. “It was the oppressive boot of tyrannical leaders that led to their downfall. Not the drugs, STDs, and stilettos.”
He nodded sagely. “Stilettos are killer, man. Have you ever tried walking in those?”
“Actually, I had to try on a pair for one of…Claire’s costumes,” Derek said, practically swallowing his words. “They’re no joke.”
For once, I was on the Parker family’s side with the level of discomfort I felt stifling the room. Clearly, not even the Parker who worked with Derek for a short time was used to his brand of crazy in the bedroom.
“And on that very uncomfortable note,” Parker muttered, “we should hit the road.”
“I second that,” I said, striding past all of them.
But I didn’t get far. I was nearly to the front door when Krista appeared at the top of the stairs, glaring down at me.
“And just where do you think you’re going?”
“Ooh, busted,” Jeff laughed, immediately dropping his smirk at my glare.
Krista walked down the stairs leisurely, not even bothered by the fact that she was holding up everyone.
“Were you going to tell me you were leaving?”
“Ooh, that’s not good,” Parker muttered.
“I left you a note.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, cocking her head at me. “A note. How sweet.”
Sinner leaned, whispering in my ear, “I’m pretty sure she’s saying itwasn’tsweet.”
I slowly turned and narrowed my eyes at him. He backed up, holding up his hands.
“I could be wrong. Not likely, but there’s the most infinitesimal possibility.”
Ignoring him, I looked back at Krista. “I have to finish this.”
“Oh, well, that makes total sense.”
“Again—” Sinner didn’t even finish his sentence as I thrust out my hand, gripping his face, and shoving him back a step.
“Geez, you try to help a guy out,” he grumbled.
“What exactly was your plan?” Krista snapped. “You were going to run off and play hero, leaving me behind?”
“You’re not trained?—”
“I would think very carefully about your next words,” Liam interrupted.
“Wise advice,” Krista snarled. “You were saying?”
I thought it over very carefully, then proceeded. “This is a mission. A dangerous mission, and I’ve taken every precaution to ensure my safe return. I have backup and a plan.”
She continued to stare at me.
“And I planned to call you from the road.”
Again, she just stared at me.
“I didn’t want to put you in danger.”