Page 128 of Delicious Surrender
“What’s happened? I thought things were going fabulously?”
“They were. Until I overheard him tonight on the phone. He has someone investigating me. They are digging into my background because he’s still convinced that I wrote the article. I have been a fool. For him, it’s just sex and nothing else. Great sex, mind you, but that’s it.”
“Oh, babe, that’s awful.”
“I don’t think I can stay here under the circumstances.”
“What the hell are you going to do—is your house livable?”
“No. It’s impossible to be here during the construction. I was thinking of coming back to London.”
“Ooh shit, I don’t like that idea. John has got people tracing the SUV. I gave him most of the license plate. I think you should stay in Skye for now.”
“Gage is going to London on Thursday. Dimitri demanded to meet him. He threatened to sue him and said he might press charges on me for assault! Can you fucking believe that?!”
“That’s insane—and more reason for you to stay away. When Gage leaves, you’ll have the place to yourself. Tell him you’re getting your period and you don’t feel well.”
“Oh my god, you’re a genius! I’ll do that. It’s a good reason for being cranky, too. In fact, it should arrive any day.” She forced herself to take a deep breath. With a little time and space, she’d figure out what to do next.
“Perfect. I’ll ask John what he’s found out when I see him later.”
“I’m so glad you have him in your life. You deserve to be happy, Jared.”
“So do you, Bree. Could you have misheard Gage? Maybe he’s trying to find out who really wrote the article?”
“No, I heard it clearly—the investigator is digging into my life in Canada. It’s him trying to prove I did it so he can toss me out. Anyway, I’ll stall the other renovations on the house and ask Logan to just finish the downstairs. I need to conserve the cash Gage is giving me in case I need to get away.”
“That’s a good plan. Hang in there, babe, and you know you can call me anytime. I’m here for you.”
“I know, I will. You are my best friend and I love you.”
“I love you too!”
Brynne felt marginally better as she picked out a few clothes. She grabbed her aunt’s day timer and a box of tampons.
The MGB took two tries before it started. Tomorrow, she would take it for a long drive. It was time to see Declan about a few shifts at the restaurant.
Gage’s office door was open when she got back. She peered in. “I’m not feeling well. I’m going to have a bath and go to bed early.”
He looked overly long at her. Brynne feared he would push for an explanation, and she would shatter into a million pieces. She was turning away when he said, “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, fine. I’m just getting my period, so I’m a little tired.” She forced a smile. “Good night, Gage.”
“Good night, Brynne.”
Wednesday morning, she woke up late and found a note in the kitchen. Gage left for London early so he could meet with his lawyers before Thursday’s showdown with Dimitri. His parting line was Look after yourself and edit without distraction. M.
Brynne’s emotions were churning like the angry waves ofthe North Atlantic. Waves of regret, sadness, and anger crashed into each other. Part of her wanted to confront him about his misguided beliefs, the other wanted to crawl into his arms one more time and forget what she’d heard. Stupid, stupid girl. She got dressed and headed into Portree for lunch. Declan wasn’t around, so she visited the bank and saw that Gage put fifty thousand pounds into her account. All her excitement about fixing the house was gone. She had to consider what her future looked like. Her home, her career, and her love life were in shambles.
Brynne woke early Thursday after a night of tossing and turning. She was making herself a second cup of coffee when she heard the helicopter overhead. Gage wasn’t due back today. If she had known, she would have made herself scarce.
She considered going to hide in her bedroom, but that was childish. When the doorbell rang, she hesitated. Why would he ring the bell unless he forgot his keys? She opened the front door and immediately threw herself against the wood to close it on the intruder.
Her strength was no match for Dimitri’s. He forced it open and sent her flying backward, landing on her butt. She tried to scramble away but wasn’t quick enough. His big, meaty hand grasped her upper arm and yanked her to her feet. Another giant of a man filled the doorway. He lumbered in and closed off her means of escape.
“Ow, you’re hurting me. What do you want? Gage isn’t here.”
“I know. We have a meeting this afternoon in London. We are here for you, my elusive little pet. Now listen carefully, we don’t have much time. I need you to pack a bag. We are taking a trip.”