Page 33 of Theirs to Corrupt

Her words hit hard, and my shoulders slump.

“They found you once. Do you really think you can hide from the mob forever?” Natalie studies me for a moment before switching gears. “I’m sorry to be so blunt.”

I shiver.

“Look, Tess. I’m not trying to scare you, and you don’t have to make any rash decisions. You’ve got time to figure this out.”

Trying to steady myself, I uncap my water and take a drink.

A few moments later, she clears her throat. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”

“Oh?”

“I know my timing is terrible…”

“Go ahead and say it.” My life can’t get much worse.

“David asked me to move in with him.”

“Really?”

She grins, her happiness obvious.

“Are you going to do it?”

“I think so.”

My own drama momentarily forgotten, I put down my water and hurry across the room to give her a hug. “Nat! I’m happy for you.”

“You’re not upset?”

“Never!” After everything she’s been through, she deserves someone like the hotshot lawyer who treats her well.

After a final hug, I return to my chair.

“I don’t want to leave you hanging.”

I shake my head. “You have to live your life for you.” Besides, there’s no way I can live in our apartment ever again.

“Now with everything…”

“It’s safer if you are staying somewhere else,” I finish.

“That’s what David thinks too.”

“Speaking of… Where is he?”

“On his way back from Dallas. He had business meetings up there, but I called him right after I talked to Pax last night. He said he’d head back right away. I told him to get some sleep first.” Then she waves her hand, and all her bracelets jangle. “He didn’t like hearing another man put me up at a hotel.”

“Oh my God.” I bet he didn’t.

“That’s why you have to marry Link.” She flashes a grin. “So David doesn’t have to be jealous.”

“Best reason I’ve ever heard to walk down the aisle.”

“Think about it,” she says more seriously. “The protection you’d have as his wife.”

But at what cost?