Page 87 of Risk
“Say something,” I whisper. “Please, Leah.”
“I don’t know what you want to hear.”
The truth. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
She remains quiet and my head screams for her to understand that yes, I lost a lot, but I’m gaining her and that’s the biggest win ever. “I’ll give us a good life.” Whatever she wants, I’ll make sure she has it. “Leah, I love you.”
She silently grabs my phone from the counter. “Call her.”
“Who? Nicole?”
“Yes. Call her right now.”
Without hesitation, I dial her number and put her on speakerphone.
Nicole picks up on the fifth ring. “Ugh, what do you want?”
“I have someone who wants to speak with you.”
Her tone changes instantly to a much happier one. “Is it Leah?”
Leah’s eyes widen in surprise. “Hi, Nicole.”
“Hi! It’s so nice to speak to you. Mason won’t shut the fuck up about you, girl. It’s disgusting. No offence.”
“None taken.” Her eyes lock on mine. “He’s just explained to me the situation.”
“You mean the one he’s set on fire? Yeah. Thank God he did it. I would die if I had to be tied to him for life. I definitely mean that offensively, Mase.”
“Feeling’s mutual,” I clap back.
“Are you coming to the gala with him this weekend? I’d love to meet you. Mase says you’re drop dead gorgeous and fun as hell. Okay, well he didn’t tell me that, but Grace did. That’s his sister, in case you didn’t know. Apparently, he kept her up all night talking to her about you. She overslept and missed her massage appointment the next day. Mason’s inconsiderate like that.”
Leah’s brow pinches. “How’s that Mason’s fault?”
“It just is,” Nicole says drolly. “I don’t make the rules.”
I flip her off, even though she can’t see me. It makes Leah giggle quietly.
Nicole keeps yapping. “It’ll be nice to have a fun night for once. Please say you’re coming?”
Leah looks up at me and smiles. “I’ll be there.”
“Yay!” Nicole’s happy tone turns to disdain in a blink. “Mason. Will Gage be coming?”
“Yeah. They’ll all be there.”
“Fuck my life.” Nicole groans. “Okay, well I gotta run. Leah, feel free to run him over with your car. Still come to the gala, though. Byyyye.” She hangs up.
“I…” Leah cringes. “I think I like her.”
My entire body locks. “No. No, no, no. She’s awful. She’s annoying!”
Leah laughs, but I catch the nervousness vibrating in it. Grabbing her hands, I kiss her knuckles and make sure I have her full eye contact. “I’m crazy in love with you, Leah.”
“You must be.” She pulls her hands out of mine. “You’re giving up a lot.”
No, I’m not. “I’m gaining everything I’ve ever wanted.”