Page 32 of Theirs to Corrupt
“Link and Pax were at the bar?”
“No.” I shake my head. “They showed up after I got off.”
She grins. “I told you Link had a thing for you.”
Though I shake my head, nothing else makes sense.
“Anyway…” There’s no way to make this easier. “The guy Axel sold me to? Turns out he’s a mobster.”
“A…?” She scowls, as if she can’t believe a word I’m saying. Then she shakes her head. “Wait a second. You can’t be serious right now. The mob is something out of a Hollywood movie.”
I don’t respond. Until a few hours ago, I’d believed the same thing.
“You’re dead ass serious?”
When I nod, she momentarily stares in disbelief.
“This is messed up. You know that, right?”
“It gets more unbelievable.” A headache builds behind my eyes. “And Link proposed to me.” If giving me an order could be called that.
“Proposed?” She blinks. “Like, actual marriage?”
I nod.
“And you think he really means it?”
“He seems to.” I shift a little. “He says it’s the only way to keep me safe.”
Natalie finally takes a sip from her cup. Then she looks at me over the rim. Moments later, she draws her eyebrows together. “You know, it’s not exactly romantic, but it’s not the worst plan I’ve ever heard.”
“Nat! Could you be serious right now?”
“I’m just saying, Tess. The guy’s rich, powerful, and clearly wants to protect you. I’m not saying you should walk down the aisle tomorrow, but…think about it.”
“Why would he suggest that?” He hadn’t really answered my question, and Pax stepped in, changing the subject.
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“Even if the idea made sense, I couldn’t just marry someone I barely know. Especially…”
“Especially?” she prompts.
Before I can change my mind and remain silent, I rush on, “I saw pictures of him inScandaliciouswith men reported to be mobsters.”
“First of all, it’s a gossip rag.”
Even if it is better than most sites.
“And secondly, he’s a gazillionaire. He obviously knows a lot of people. Even if he hangs out with those kind of people, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a gangster himself. Right?”
I hesitate. “I don’t know. But I don’t want to take that risk.”
“Okay, fair enough.” Natalie sighs, putting her mug down. “What are your other options? Running?”
“I’ve been thinking about that,” I admit. “New Orleans?” The ride will only take a few hours by bus. “Maybe Miami.” Perhaps even the opposite coast. Nat and I can lose ourselves in Los Angeles.
“Look.” She sighs, as if trying to be reasonable. “You thought you’d be invisible in Houston. You were really careful. Few people even know your real name.”