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As I shoved the phone into my pocket, grabbing my keys on the way out the door, all I could do was smile. It would seem my lovely flower was going to be more than just a handful. It was time to strip off the kid gloves, taking exactly what I wanted.
Maybe Grayson was right in that I would enjoy being engaged for longer than planned. After all, it could turn into a very lucrative business decision.
Hmmm…
CHAPTER15
Suzannah
“What the hell?” I muttered as soon as I noticed the gate leaving the underground parking garage was closed. There were two vehicles in front of me, both occupants as irritated as I’d already become.
I had to get the hell away from the hotel, the city, and the man who’d lied to me.
The bastard who’d lied to me.
The sexiest man alive who’d…
“I’m sorry about Kendrick. Why don’t you come stay with me,” Morgan said. “I’ll even be your plus one for the wedding. We’ll get unfashionably drunk and make a scene.”
“Sounds evil but you know I can’t do that. Hell, I won’t do that to Ashley. She’ll have to deal with too much after she gets married to my brother.” I craned my neck, trying to free cobwebs from my mind.
“O-kay, but I don’t like how you’re leaving and what you told me about him. He sounds dangerous.”
“He is dangerous.” The fact he’d told me he was a killer continued to nag at me. Finding so little on him meant he was likely a hired gun for his family, an assassin. But I’d discovered enough damning information about his family to have a sense of who and what he’d come from. His family made mine look like poster children for a sappy card commercial. My thoughts drifted to the reason for his arrival in California. Perhaps revenge? His father had been murdered. There were several articles on the man’s demise, including the fact the case had never been solved. I wondered if the police even cared given the Gregorys were obviously sophisticated organized crime. Did that mean there was a bullet with my father’s name on it?
Would you care?
Oh, my God. I couldn’t believe my inner voice would say such a horrible thing. Okay, so my father had been verbally and emotionally abusive my entire life, but I didn’t want him dead. Not unless I pulled the trigger.
“Then what if this asshole follows you?”
“Then I’ll kill him.” The words came out far too easily.
She laughed, although I could tell by her tone she knew I was only halfway kidding. “Are you sure you’re going to be alright?”
Anger swept through me. Maybe Kendrick hadn’t lied, but he certainly hadn’t been forthcoming in his identity. Then again, neither had I. I smashed my hand on the horn, the blaring sound even making me jump. No, he’d told me his name and he’d known I’d look him up. He’d fallen into a deal that allowed him access to my family. I was an idiot.
Or maybe you’re brilliant. Think about the ripples his appearance would cause.
I closed my eyes, the ache behind them horrific. Leaving was in everyone’s best interest before things got out of hand.
“What the hell is that noise?” Morgan hissed.
After backing off, I smacked my hand on the steering wheel. There was a tiny part of me that wanted Kendrick to find me, although that wasn’t likely. I’d checked out quickly, making a beeline for the garage. “I’m just stuck in the parking garage and I blew my horn because I need to get the hell out of here before he finds me. Trust me, sister. I’m going to be fine. Maybe if you’re free on Sunday you can drive up and it will give me an excuse to get away from the family unit.”
“I can do that. And I’m sorry about Mr. Mile High. He seemed perfect for you. And for being a fake fiancé even with the danger involved.”
Was there such a thing as perfection in any man? “Very funny and yeah, he did. Too perfect and that was part of the problem. He wants something much bigger than my total surrender out of this. I can feel it.”
“Then think about this. Maybe a small part of you wants to protect your family. If he’s your father’s enemy, it’s best to keep him close. You know?”
My bestie was right.
“I’ll think about it and call you later.”
“Good luck, girlfriend. I know you want this position but think about the woman inside. I can tell that man you just met made you feel something special. Do not lie to me.”
I made a face, glaring into the rearview mirror. “Don’t you dare hold that over my head for the rest of my life.”
