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They leave the room, and I sit back down, but after a moment, I see I have a missed call from an unknown number. I move to drop my phone back in my purse when it vibrates with an incoming call. I pick up solely to confirm that Asher isn't in urgent trouble.
“Hello?”
“Ah, Kristine, dear. I was hoping to speak with you,” says a man's voice.
“Excuse me, who am I speaking to?” I inquire with a frown.
“My voice doesn't ring a bell? That's rather disheartening. This is Dexter Whitmore.”
A shiver cuts down my spine as his name slips through the speaker. “Oh, Mr. Whitmore...” I grasp my phone more tightly, trying to still the trembling of my hand as I press the phone tighter to my ear. “How did you get my number?”
His laugh crackles through the line, a sound that feels like the brush of a cold, unseen hand down the small of my back.
“The particulars of that are inconsequential at the moment. I was eager to touch base with you. How's everything coming along with the custody hearing for your son?”
I immediately tense up. “I don't see how that concerns you.”
“But it does,” Dexter replies, laughing. “Or rather, it is in your best interest for me to stay out of it. Because I have no doubt that your ex-husband would love to know how busy you've been this past week...”
“Meaning?” I shift uneasily, the plush couch beneath me offering little comfort. My tongue darts out to wet suddenly dry lips.
My phone vibrates against my cheek. When I pull it away, I see incoming text messages. I tap the screen and stare at the pictures of me and Ethan.
Ethan and I leaving the club.
Ethan and I kissing in front of his car.
Ethan and I…
The foggy windows, with my foot pressed against the glass, reveal more than a picture should.
I stare, frozen—my pulse racing inside my veins.
“Now you see why this call is of upmost importance to me, tous.”
“What do you want, Mr. Whitmore?” I mumble.
“Nothing for now, my dear, but soon you will be of great use to me. If you don't want your husband to have proof of your new relationship, you will do as I say, when I say it.”
“You can't... You mustn't...”
“I dare you to proceed,” Dexter's voice sinks into a lethal hush. “Negotiation isn't an option. Take my words to heart. To ensure your son remains with you, maintain silence regarding our conversation and continue your life as if this never occurred. And upon my command, you will act as I dictate. Understand?”
I nod just once, despite the fact that he can’t see it over the phone, and feel a lump form in my throat. Suddenly, I find it hard to breathe. “Okay,” I whisper.
“Wonderful. I'll be in touch,Mrs. Prescott.”
The call cuts off.
I stare at the phone at the intimate expression on Ethan's face as he strokes my hair, with his head leaning toward mine, just before he kisses me.
“This can't... Thiscan'tbe.”
I bury my face in my hands, forcing myself to breathe. But I can't.
Recognizing the potential collapse of my world, I know Brandon will exploit my relationship with Ethan as a weapon in court to take Asher away from me.
And he'll succeed. Because everyone knows and loves Brandon Prescott, and those who don't love him fear him enough not to get on his bad side.
