A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 331

Tanya Foster heard the door open and glanced over, spotting Elissa standing in the entryway—still in her shoes, making no move to take them off.

Tanya had been emotionally and physically wrung out by a client today and couldn’t muster the energy to move. “Don’t expect a warm welcome tonight. I’m beat.”

“Your ex—” Elissa gestured helplessly toward the apartment across the hall. “He asked me to invite you over for a barbecue. Said he saw you post about craving one.”

Tanya’s brow furrowed. “How did he see my post?”

She’d deleted Rex ages ago.

But as she mulled it over, Elissa voiced what she was thinking: “He must’ve added you with a backup account or something.”

Exactly what Tanya suspected.

She swung her legs off the coffee table and made for the door. “Let’s go.”

“You’re actually going?” Elissa had been sure she’d refuse. She’d already thought up excuses to tell Rex—Tanya was working late, or she’d crashed from exhaustion.

But Tanya nodded, slipping out without changing shoes, and tugged Elissa along. “Free barbecue. Why waste it?”

Of course, Tanya had another reason. Since Elissa was helping Mrs. Wilkinson with her leg, it wouldn’t hurt to let Rex—one of the Wilkinsons—owe Elissa a favor.

When Rex saw the sisters arrive, he shot Rowan a warning look.

—Don’t sabotage me.

Rowan’s gaze was icy; he didn’t even bother to acknowledge Rex.

He’d already stocked the fridge with fresh groceries, planning to cook for Elissa when she got home. Now, that plan was ruined.

Barbecue for four. Double the romance.

They gathered around the table: Elissa and Rowan took their usual spots, while Tanya sat across from Elissa. Rex naturally slid into the seat beside Tanya—directly opposite Rowan.

Rex expertly dug out a brand-new grill from Rowan’s kitchen. “I picked up a bunch of seasonings. What flavor does everyone want?”

Elissa remembered that Rex couldn’t handle spicy food. She opened her mouth to suggest something mild, but Tanya spoke first, grinning at Rex. “Spicy.”

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