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“When did you get back?”
“Just under a week ago,” I rasp.
“And you’ve been claiming expenses?”
“No! Do you think I have a death wish? Two of those days were the weekend,” I point out, unafraid to admit that I sound desperate.
Aidan’s biceps bulge as he approaches me. “If you’re fucking lying, Cade, I’ll make you regret it.”
We’re the same height, but the power Aidan has is unreal.
If I fuck this up, there’s no making shit right with Belle—it’s literally game over.
“I swear to God I’m not lying.”
“Why didn’t you bring her here now?”
“Because she won’t talk to him,” Lucas inserts before I can say a word.
“Serves him right.” Savannah snorts. “She’s got good taste then.”
I scowl down at the floor rather than at her.
“Lucas,” Aidan says. “Do you believe Cade?”
My older brother sighs. “I saw her talk about her father. She was terrified, Aidan. My da was quick to punish, just like yours. But none of my sisters flinched the way she did when she was talking about Davis.
“Whatever the reality of her situation when she was growing up, she fears him and does believe he’s a murderer—I heard her say that. I definitely wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving her with him—”
“Bet your ass you’re not going to leave her with him,” Savannah screeches. She storms over to Aidan’s side and grabs his arm. “He lied to you, Aidan. He fucking lied. You can’t let some poor woman—”
He cups her face. “You can’t save everyone, Savannah.” Before she can squawk her outrage, he presses a kiss to her lips. “But in this instance, you can tell this Cindy she can return to L.A. if that’s what she wants, Cade.”
My Adam’s apple bobs at that.
The last thing I want is her on a fucking plane back to L.A., but I keep my mouth shut, lock my gaze on the floor, and await my punishment.
“You barely know her.”
My brows lift at his words. “I know enough, boss.”
“He thinks he loves her,” Lucas scoffs.
I can feel Aidan studying me. “Davis lied to me. He disrespected me. We’ll be heading into his office once I’m ready. Understood?”
Eyes flaring at the request, I take a chance. “I’d like to help, Aidan.”
My boss arches a brow at me. “You’ll be taking center stage, Cade. It’s time you prove where your loyalties lie.”
20
BELLE
Feeling heartsick,I stare out the window then look down at my phone. Nothing. No phone calls, no texts, no information on how he’s going to make this right… and it’s been hours.
“Isabelle, come have something to eat. Don’t worry about Cade. He’ll fix things, you’ll see,” Patricia calls as she pulls some homemade scones out of the oven. “You want some tea?”
It’s funny to think that this is the mom of a mobster. Tea and scones. Who’d have thought? Patricia’s gone a long way to making this day better. The shock of finding out about Cade being part of the Five Points has faded, but it wasn’t what hedid for a livingthat bothered me. How could it when I’ve spent years in love with Ryder, for God’s sake.
