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.”

Back in college, everyone had called him that—deferential, eager to please.

Not Tanya. She’d barely spared him a glance until they got together. After that, she’d drape herself over his shoulder, teasingly calling him “Rex,” her voice always clear and crisp, matching her straightforward charm.

But when she said his name, there was always a warmth, a softness that drove him wild.

Now, Tanya’s eyes were calm, unruffled. “So what do you want me to call you? Name your price. Pay enough and I’ll call you whatever you want.”

The words made Rex visibly bristle.

He’d been patient these past weeks. She wouldn’t accept his friend request, so he’d added her with a fake account. She’d said she craved barbecue, and he’d immediately arranged it.

He, Rex Wilkinson, had never been stonewalled like this by any woman.

Rex’s eyes were bloodshot—whether from the spice or from anger was anyone’s guess. His voice was cold. “Anything? If I pay enough, does that mean I get to sleep with you again?”

He fixed her with a look so intense it felt like he was trying to see straight through to her soul.