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I screwed up my nose. “If she’s such a hot mess, why are your parents so hell bent on him marrying her?”
Adam chuckled. “Do you know how much Melanie Warren’s family is worth? If Grayson marries her and our companies merge, we’ll be one of the most powerful families in the country.”
“So, this is all about money?”
“Money, power, status…it all goes hand in hand,” Adam responded with a casual shrug.
“It’s all bullshit. It all means nothing if you’re unhappy.”
A small smile touched Adam’s lips. “I can see why Grayson likes you, he used to think the same way.”
I crossed my arms and stared out the window. “Maybe he still does.”
Adam pulled the car back onto the road. “Regardless, Grayson has always done what’s best for the family. Ours and hers.”
My gaze tapered in on his profile as he drove. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that he has responsibilities.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, knowing where the conversation was heading.
“Look, I’m not saying he has to give you up. He’ll just have to learn to be more discreet when he’s with you.”
“Right.” I chuckled in disbelief. “Because that’s all I can be to someone like him...a seedy love affair.”
“Josie, I just want you to know what you’re getting yourself into.”
I pursed my lips. “Well, there’s no chance of that.”
Leaning forward, I upped the volume of the radio until it eliminated any chance of continuing the conversation. As the Def Leppard song Love Bites filled the car, I curled up in my seat and closed my eyes. It wasn’t long before I succumbed to sleep, freeing myself from my noisy mind and heavy heart.
As the car rolled to a stop, I grudgingly opened my eyes and stared up at my apartment building. It seemed minuscule compared to Harlow Manor, but it was home. I didn’t need a butler, or a cleaner, or anyone to wipe my arse, because unlike Grayson’s family, I was comfortable on my own.
Adam jumped out of the car to help me with my bags, but I beat him to it.
“I’ve got it,” I said quickly, picking up my suitcase and Luci’s lead. “Thanks for the ride, it was…enlightening.”
“No problem,” he uttered, leaning back against the car with his arms crossed.
An awkward silence fell between us, and I gave Luci’s lead a gentle tug towards the stairs. “I guess I’ll see you at work.”
Adam nodded. “I’ll be running things while Grayson’s gone.”
“Great,” I murmured through my tight smile.
“I’ll behave. I promise.” He chuckled, before climbing back into the car and winding down his window.
I rolled my eyes, and turned to find his expression had morphed into something more serious. “Look after yourself, Josie.”
With a sad smile, I shrugged. “It’s what I do best.”
* * *
I needed to hear his voice. It had officially been twenty-four hours since I’d last spoken to Grayson and I was not okay. He hadn’t returned any of my calls or texts, and I was beginning to worry. Before heading to bed, I decided to make one last attempt.
Me: Is everything ok? I’m worried.
Three little dots appeared and my heart leapt. I waited for the message to appear on my cell, but it never came. “Where did you go?” I murmured, staring down at my phone. A few minutes later, they reappeared.
