Page 7 of Secret Dynasty

“I came to see you,” I admitted.

Holden paused, his body poised over the table. Then took his shot. The ball clipped the edge of the pocket and rolled across the table.

“Fuck,” he said with a grunt. “Well, dirty girl, if we aren’t drinking, what did you come for?”

I swallowed. He wasn’t going to make this easy. I’d expected that, but now that I was here, I wasn’t certain I could ask him about Tod’s claims. But why? Holden had the power to dismiss Tod’s lies outright. He could prove that Tod was ruthlessly acting in his own interest. He could set me free. More importantly, he could assure me that I wasn’t crazy.

“It’s about Kerrigan,” I began. Suddenly, I didn’t know where to start.

Holden arched an eyebrow. “What about her?”

“It’s just…” I searched for the right words. He already knew about the arrangement. This should be easy, but it was anything but. “I found some of her things in Tod’s office a few weeks ago and then tonight, I found a file, and he wants me to see a doctor, and I’m not crazy, but—”

“Whoa, slow down,” Holden stopped me. “You’re going a little fast.”

“Sorry.” I sighed and walked over to a club chair in the corner. I sank into its rich brown leather, my fingers clutching its arms. “So much has happened.”

“Go back to his office. You said you found something?”

“Yes, Kerrigan’s computer.”

Holden fell silent, remaining in the shadows. The moment stretched between us for so long that I opened my mouth to ask him what was wrong. Before I could, he crossed to the chair next to mine and took it.

“What else?” he asked gently.

“A folder.” My voice trembled, and he reached a handout. Placing it on my knee, he waited. “There were photos and bank statements. He’s been tracking Kerrigan. I just don’t understand why.”

Holden remained quiet, and I found myself unable to bear it.

“And there were pictures of me. He’d found me somehow and had me followed.”

“Why would he do that?” Darkness coated his words, and I looked up to find him watching me carefully.

“Because he thinks I’m her.”

I didn’t know what to expect when I told Holden this, but I’d hoped it would provide some clue as to the truth. But he didn’t react. He sat there, his hand warm on my knee and his face a blank mask.

“Holden,” my voice broke on his name. “He lied to me. He doesn’t want me to pretend to be her. He’s going to force me to…”

“To what?” Holden pressed. “What do you think he’s planning?”

Before I’d walked into Sparrow Court, I was certain that this was part of some desperate scheme on Tod Belmond’s part to ensure what he wanted most: the marriage of his daughter to Spencer Byrd.

“He’s obsessed with uniting his family with yours. I don’t think he cares if it’s me or Kerrigan marrying Spencer.”

Holden’s eyes closed briefly, a grimace of pain contorting his face.

“I know you don’t want her to marry him,” I added quietly.

He looked up at me and shook his head. “You still don’t get it, dirty girl. I don’t want you to marry him.”

Chapter Four

“Because then he wins?” I don’t know why I thought Holden could see past his rivalry with Spencer long enough to care about Tod’s treachery.

“Is that what you think this is about?” Holden asked darkly.

“Why would I think anything else? First, you loved Kerrigan. Then you wanted me. Your affection doesn’t last longer than the next distraction,” I exploded. Jumping to my feet, I turned to go. “I don’t know why I came here. I’m sorry for interrupting your grieving process.”