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“Since you’re a single woman, I was hoping you had some single friends. I know it’s a long shot, insane even, but I have to try.”
“Why do you have to do this?” I couldn’t trap that question behind my lips this time. I needed answers.
Hands free from his pockets now, he reached for my arm and gently squeezed. “I can’t tell you that. Just trust me.”
“How can I trust you?” I shook my head. “I’m sorry.” I eased away from his grip and jerked a thumb toward the front of the house, signaling for him to leave. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need you.”
Ryan hung his head and let go of a deep breath. “I’m not in trouble. I haven’t done anything illegal, I swear.” When he slowly worked his gaze back to my face, his eyes appeared haunted. Unsettled. “The money is for someone else. It’s important.” His Adam’s apple visibly moved when he gulped. “Please, Talia,” he added, shredding me with his use of that nickname.
Because it reminded me of a different time.
I’d been Tali to him as a kid.
Later on, for whatever reason, he added on the A, calling me Talia.
But once Anthony and I began dating for the second time, he’d started calling me Natalia. I’d never understood why. Pretty much, I never understood him in general.
“Maybe you don’t need me,” Ryan went on in a low, rough voice, once again capturing my attention, “but I sure as hell need you.”
CHAPTER SIX
RYAN
Natalia’s best offer just before sending me on my way two hours ago had been an, I’ll think about it. It was better than a no, so I’d take it for now.
I’d planned to mention the inheritance to my mother, but after witnessing Natalia’s reaction to my cryptic words, I knew Mom would see right through me.
I’d have to tell Mom eventually, but I bought myself some time with a lie. One that gave her hope.
I told her I was considering moving back for good. Eventually, settle down and start a family. And the tears in her eyes had been like knives to my chest. Blade after blade, a direct hit on my heart. Seeing her hopeful, knowing it was all a ruse, gutted me. I’d given her a fake smile and gentle hug before taking off for a run.
I needed to clear my head and convince myself I was doing the right thing.
Miles and miles of running did nothing to ease the guilt. If anything, the anger toward my brother for putting me in yet another shitty situation only intensified.
Anthony had dragged not just me but my friends into his mess. And now, I was potentially pulling his ex-fiancée into it as well.
I’d briefly flirted with the insane idea of offering Natalia the money to fake date me, but I’d shot that option down pretty quickly. Completely put it out of my mind as simply desperation caused by the stress of it all.
Wrapping a towel around my hips after my post-run shower, my thoughts were interrupted by my ringing phone in the connecting bedroom. Hoping to have some good news, I hurried in there, nearly tripping over my sneakers on the way.
It was Owen. It’d been about forty hours since those two assholes had entered his Charleston home, four more hours than he’d said he’d need. I held back the joke I would normally make about the “delay” since this mission was personal.
“Hey, man.” I went over to the window and opened the blinds, ensuring Natalia didn't have her head back under the hood of her Jeep. It was thirty minutes until the date her mom had scheduled for her, and she’d yet to let me know if I was giving her that awkward ride over to Starbucks.
“Sorry I’m late. I didn’t want to call until I had something concrete to share,” Owen said.
Based on the background noise, I assumed Owen was inside a hangar, which meant he was most likely about to spin up.
Damn, did I miss those days.
“What do you know?” I finally asked.
“You were right. The men in my house were American, but their boss is a Canadian businessman. Well, I’d use that last term loosely. He’s currently renting a place in Ibiza, which is where those two guys flew out of, and as of last night, back to. Your brother is there as well,” he explained in a hurry, likely getting ready to board a jet soon.
I turned away from the window, setting my eyes on the framed photos on top of the dresser. Most were of Dad and me. “And is Anthony okay?”
“Anthony’s fine. I have two Teamguys from Scott and Scott Securities watching him. They put up an aerial drone an hour ago and confirmed your brother is on the property. Anthony has two security details following him everywhere like puppy dogs. Well-armed puppy dogs.” He paused to let the news sink in. “But for a prisoner, he’s pretty free to roam, and it doesn’t look like he’s been beaten up or anything.”
