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“You can’t make me.”
“Oh, I believe I can. You see, I know you still care about that Kincaid man. I still have my files on his family, on him. You will do as I say, or I’ll make sure they’re all ruined.”
“I ended this with him. You promised to leave them alone.”
“I did no such thing. I don’t make promises I can’t keep, Jordyn, but let me say this. If you defy me, if you choose to make this arrangement difficult, I promise you, the Kincaid family will fall. Not just them, but anyone connected to them. That’s a promise.” She smirks. “Decide, Jordyn. You want some control over your life, or to pretend like you do, so decide. Mike or John? If you don’t decide, I’ll do it for you.” With that, she turns on her heel and walks away.
I rush upstairs, tear out of my clothes, throwing on shorts and a T-shirt. I grab my keys, my purse, both phones, and rush out the door.
I need Ryder.
I tear out of the driveway and wait until I’m several miles away before pulling into a parking lot. My hands shake as I dig for my Ryder phone and dial his number.
“Hey, sweets.”
“Ry.” My voice cracks.
“Where are you?”
“Headed toward Gianna’s.”
“Call her. Tell her I’m going to be knocking on her door.”
“Someone might see you.”
“Call her, Jordyn. Let me worry about the rest. Are you okay to drive? Are you hurt?”
“Not physically.”
“Make the call, baby. I’ll be there when you get there.” The line goes dead, and I do as he says and call Gianna.
When this all blows over, I owe my best friend one hell of a payback. When she needs me, I’ll be there. No questions asked.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Ryder
I was already parked at the gas station down the street from Gianna’s place. Why, I don’t know. Something just told me to stay close, and I’m glad I did. Pulling my truck into her lot, I park several spaces back and climb out of the truck, pulling my hat down over my eyes. I’m sure I look like a criminal, but fuck it. Jordyn needs me.
My hand is raised to knock, but the door swings open, and Gianna steps back, allowing me inside. “Thanks,” I tell her.
“She should be here soon.” Gianna takes a seat on the couch next to Calvin, who nods in greeting.
“I’m sorry that we’re barging in on you like this. The two of you have done so much for us. Thank you. When you need me, I’m there.” I make eye contact with both of them so they can see my sincerity.
“How are you doing?” Gianna asks.
I shrug. “I’m worried about her. She was crying and I don’t know why. She assured me she was safe to drive, but fuck, this not being able to go to her is fucking killing me.”
“Yeah, she sounded upset. The only thing I was able to get out of her was that it was her mother.”
“Of fucking course it’s her mother. She’s not going to stop until she destroys her spirit,” I spit out angrily.
Before I can say more, the door bursts open. I stand and barely have time to brace myself before a sobbing Jordyn launches into my arms. I catch her, holding her tightly. She buries her face in my neck, and I feel as though my heart is cracking wide open.
I hate seeing her upset.
Seconds, minutes, hell, hours could pass, but I’m not worried about the time, as I hold the love of my life in my arms. Eventually, she lifts her head and unwraps her legs from around my waist. I help her stand and then guide us to the chair. I sit, pulling her onto my lap.
“Tell me what’s going on, sweets.”
“Dinner.”
I nod. “You said your mother insisted that you have a family dinner tonight. What happened?”
“It wasn’t just a family dinner. There were two other guests.”
“Okay?”
“Two men. They both work for my father.” She goes on to tell me how she was ambushed and then sent to a room to be alone with the two of them together. My anger simmers, but I fight like hell to hide it. I don’t need Jordyn thinking my anger is because of something she did. It’s all for her parents, and those two jackasses who think they have a chance with my girl.
Not happening.
“She told me that I’m always complaining I have no control, so she’s letting me pick one. If I don’t, she and my father will choose for me.”
What. The. Fuck?
“I need a few days,” I tell her. “Give me a few days to get things figured out. I need to talk to my family. Pack a bag and be ready to leave.” I’m already forging a plan in my mind. I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but I can’t let her go. I can’t let her marry some asshole who will use and abuse her. Fuck that. We’re leaving.
