Taft.
And Jolene’s margaritas.
What a night. Her friend must have made them extra strong because four had knocked her on her back and given her a headache. And Ben… He must have thought it was presumptuous to undress her, which was kinda sweet.
The envelope Taft had given her was at the end of the bed, and she picked it up and read it again. The apology for her work visa being canceled was as much a shock as the language welcoming her back to live and work with a coveted visa that could lead to citizenship. Taft had to have powerful connections, which made his threats all the more real.
She clenched her eyes shut.
What am I going to do?
If it were only her safety at risk, would she stay? But now her parents were being threatened, and despite their troubledrelationship, her mother wasn’t well, and her father didn’t deserve to be dragged down.
Tears filled her eyes, and she rubbed her temples. God, she was tired and achy and confused. Everything seemed like an uphill battle. Was that its own sign? Her heart clenched even thinking about leaving Ben when they’d only just begun to give each other a second chance. And the opportunity to work here with Will and have the school Ben wanted to build for her? She’d been so excited about it.
What if she did leave? Her return felt straightforward. Sure, she had to find another flat to live in and furnish it, but that wouldn’t be difficult. She could rejoin Neil at the practice. They’d done everything they could to keep her. Except for a few conservative doctors threatened by the growing wellness community, people had considered her a hero for helping that young girl. She might even have more clients now than she did before.
She could live a safe, predictable life there, one that fulfilled her on most levels.
But she’d have to say goodbye to the hometown she was coming to love again—and Ben most of all. She swiped angrily at her tears.
Damn that Taft guy!
Oh, she needed her head to stop hurting so she could think.
After taking a shower and dressing, she slowly made her way down the stairs with the envelope. Neil looked up from his laptop when she handed it to him on her way to the kitchen.
“Heard you had an interesting evening and a special visitor. Hangover tea is in your favorite cup, lass.”
“Who told you what happened?” she called.
“First, Jolene, and then Ben when he carried you inside.”
Taking a tentative sip of her tea, she found it only warm. “Read it and be amazed at what money and power can do.”
He made room for her on the couch when she returned, although he took up half the space with his large body. She sipped her tea while he read.
Whistling softly, he set the envelope aside. “Aye, I see what you mean. Taft must want you gone badly. I also heard he threatened your parents, lass.”
She clutched her mug. “He did. I don’t know what to do. Taft is no different from Owen. He just has more money and less of an ick factor. I’ve never given in to bullies my whole life, but it’s different with my parents involved.”
“I can see how you would think that.” Neil folded his hands, staring at her contemplatively, looking as torn as she felt. “Ben thinks you should seriously consider leaving, given the threats, which I thought was big of him. Then again, Jolene told me she wanted me to do my best to encourage you as well.”
She bit the inside of her cheek to stifle the tears that wanted to come. “They both want me to leave?” Just as she was starting to dream about making that home with Ben here in Sanctuary Springs at the Triple M.
Neil took her hand, his broad forehead furrowed with concern. “Lass, they’re worried about Amber hurting you or Taft hurting you through your parents. My guess is you’re more worried than you’ve been letting on after those margaritas knocked you off your feet. I’ve seen you drink whisky with the best of them, myself included, and not have any aftereffects.”
“It was the sugar in the berries,” she answered hoarsely, knowing she was full of it.
“Whatever you decide, I’m behind you.” He took her free hand. “But I’m worried too. When you accepted that investor’s business invitation, all you were looking for is a new and exciting job that would fulfill you.”
“Neil, it hurts to think of going,” she said, “and I don’tlike the idea of running and letting his asshole win.”Man, I’m croaky this morning. I’m blaming Jolene for that.
“That isn’t the root issue here. Amber is gunning for you—now Taft seems to be.”
But how can I just leave when they’re trying to hurt the people I love and this ranch and Will’s project?Amber would love for me to go, and won’t Taft still be gunning for the Triple M and Ben and his family?
“Even after construction goes through, have you thought about the continued hurdles Taft might throw at you and Will?” he asked with his usual insight.
