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His eyebrows shot up again, but his eyes held a glimmer of interest. “What do I get out of this?”
“Simple. You get the credit for stopping the witches from aiding the hunters, making the world safer for shifters and all paranormals.Yourname will be the one remembered forgenerations.” I mentally crossed my fingers that would entice him.
Brett considered this for a moment, tapping his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “How will you live without your inheritance?”
“Before Tori entered my life, I started an investment company,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “It’s doing well enough that I’ve been living off its proceeds. I haven’t needed to touch the Blackwood money for years. Tori doesn’t have need of materialistic wealth, Brett—she likes the simple things. I have no doubt I can support us both comfortably without relying on the Blackwood fortune.”
“Ha! You really think Tori doesn’t care about money?” Brett scoffed, a smug grin spreading across his face. “Give it time, Ridge. She might come running to me when she realizes how much wealthier I am than you.”
“Your delusions are charming, Brett, but I know where Tori’s heart lies,” I said, determined not to let him rile me up. “Now, are you going to help me or not?” I clenched my jaw, refusing to let Brett’s childish comments get under my skin. Tori meant more to me than anything, and I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she loved me for who I was, not what I had. “So, you in or not?”
“Fine,” Brett said, his tone dripping with arrogance. “I’ll help pay off these witches and take the credit. But remember, Ridge, this ismyvictory.”
“Deal,” I said, extending my hand. The moment we clasped hands, I felt an odd mixture of relief and unease. We had struck a bargain, but would it be enough to keep our world safe?
As I turned away from Brett, I spotted Tori waiting patiently where I’d left her, her beautiful face marred with worry lines. I was certain that with her love, I could do just about anything toprotect her and our future. I strode out to join her, my resolve steeling itself against any obstacles we might encounter.
“Everything okay?” she asked, searching my eyes for reassurance.
“Better than okay,” I said with a confident smile. “Brett’s agreed to help us with the hostile witch coven. If all goes according to plan, our world will be safer for everyone.”
Despite the surprise in Tori’s eyes, she grinned. “You really are amazing, Ridge.” She wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.
“Let’s not celebrate just yet,” I cautioned. “We still have a lot of work to do.” I glanced down at our to-go boxes, suddenly famished. “Let’s eat and start planning our trip to the Bahamas.”
Chapter 45
Tori
I gaped as Ridge and I walked into the luxurious hotel on a private island resort in the Bahamas. The opulence of the place took my breath away, and that was before I locked onto the stunning view of the sunset over the ocean. I’d never been to a fancy resort like this—hell, I’d never even dreamed of it—and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the grandeur.
“This place is incredible,” I squealed, clutching Ridge’s arm.
Ridge chuckled softly as he looked down at me. “It is,” he said, his gaze following mine out to the vibrant hues of the setting sun. “But it’s nothing compared to you, Tori.”
I blushed and shoved him playfully. “You’re too sweet, Ridge.”
“Sweet?” Kyle echoed, his voice carrying across the lobby. “This place is downright ridiculous.” He shook his head, clearly out of his element, just like me. Audrey, however, seemed right at home. She glided around with an air of confidence, taking in her surroundings with a delighted grin.
As we strolled through the lavish resort, the tension between Kyle and Audrey was painfully obvious. My brother was being even moodier than usual, while Audrey appeared to be basking in the luxury.
“Can you believe these witches?” Kyle shook his head as he looked around. “I bet the hunters pay them a ridiculous amount of money. Wouldn’t be surprised if they just island-hop around the world, living like this whenever they aren’t using their magic to give hunters augmented speed and strength or making the occasional witch pill. No wonder my father was so reluctant to let us use the things. I hate to think how much they must cost.”
Audrey rolled her eyes. “You can complain all you want, but it seems like these witches are just out here living their best lives. In a way, I can respect that.”
“Respect that?” Kyle scoffed. “They’re taking advantage of people and hurting people in the process.”
“Kyle,” I hissed. “We’re here to deal with them, remember? Let’s not waste our energy arguing about their lifestyle choices.”
He sighed, but I saw the frustration still simmering beneath the surface. Clearly, Kyle and Audrey hadn’t addressed whatever had happened between them.
Ridge, ever the gentleman, bore the tension without complaint. I admired his patience, even as I wished I could do something to ease the strain between my brother and Audrey. That was a conversation they needed to have on their own terms, though. It couldn’t be forced.
We continued to explore the resort, taking in the stunning ocean views and immaculate grounds. The sunset made the water sparkle. Even with the tension in the air, I was filled with a sense of wonder as I took in the breathtaking beauty.
“Have you ever seen anything like this before?” I asked Ridge.
He smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at me. “No, but the real beauty here is you, Tori.”
