Page 18 of Break My Rules
“On what?” I ask, still inhaling my food. It’s salty and flavorful, and perfectly filling after the workout I just had.
“The list of suspects. Our investigation.”
Oh. That.
I look over and find him watching me with a knowing expression. “You started already, didn’t you?” he asks, and I nod.
“Maybe… Just some research, to fill in their backgrounds,” I admit. “I know Max and Hugh a little, but this Sebastian Wolfe guy… He’s got quite a record.”
Saint immediately shakes his head. “It’s not Seb. Out of all of them, he is my closest friend,” his voice is determined. “He didn’t do it. There’s just no chance.”
I feel a flicker of unease, seeing the instinctive loyalty Saint has for his friends. One way or another, that loyalty will be tested, and soon. “Well, if it’s not him, then we’ll be able to rule him out immediately,” I offer, “That will be helpful, all on its own.”
Saint slowly nods. “You’re right. I’ll call Seb and see when he can get together.”
“All of us,” I remind him. “I have to be there, too.”
He pauses “There’s going to be no easy way around this, is there?” Saint asks, and I feel a pang. It’s not just my life that I’m upending now in pursuit of justice, it’s his, too.
“Regretting this already?” I ask lightly, even as I search his face for the truth.
But Saint’s gaze is even and honest. No secrets hiding in his eyes. “We’ll find the answers,” he says, reaching for my hand and squeezing it. “I’m right beside you, whatever you choose.”
“Or on top of me,” I say, lightening the mood with a flirty smile. “Or behind…”
Saint chuckles. “Don’t tell me you’re ready for another round?”
He suddenly pulls me into his lap, kissing me slow, until I’m breathless. “You’re going to need to keep up, old man,” I whisper, teasing, as he laughs.
“You’ll regret that, darling.” Saint nips my bottom lip, and my blood sparks with heat, all over again.
“Make me,” I whisper, and soon I’m lost in his embrace again. Whatever hard choices lie ahead, we’re back together again, and right now, that’s all I need.
Chapter6
Tessa
Itake the job at the Ambrose Foundation. I have no idea how I’m going to juggle it with my college work. I’m already falling way behind, but since Hugh Ambrose is on my list of suspects, I can’t miss the chance to get closer and find out more.
“That’s great news,” he says, sounding enthusiastic when I call to let him know. “I know you’ll be a great fit with the team. Our head of fundraising, Priya, is still talking about some of your ideas from the other week.”
“I can’t wait,” I say—and mean it. “Although, I’ll have to work remotely from here in Oxford while I still have lectures and tutorials.”
“Whatever you need,” Hugh says immediately. “We can make it work.”
“How about I start drafting a real proposal about my plan to use social media influencers to expand our fundraising reach?” I suggest. When I pitched it in person, everyone was enthused. “I could come into the office at the end of the week to talk it through in person.”
“Sounds great,” Hugh agrees. “I’ll send all the on-boarding information over and get our tech guys to you set up here with all the right accounts. Welcome to the team!”
“Thanks for giving me the opportunity,” I reply. “I hope we can make a real difference.”
And find out if he’s hiding a dark side.
I spendthe rest of the week in Oxford with Saint, catching up on my academic schedule, and preparing the presentation for Hugh and his team. I’m torn. Hugh seems like a great guy, and his foundation is doing genuinely good work, supporting charitable projects all around the world. But I can’t trust his genial humor or good deeds, at least, not until I figure if he has an alibi for Wren’s attack. He’s just as powerful as the rest of them, I remind myself, as I click through research online, building my files. His politician father, Lionel, is just weeks away from becoming Prime Minister, if the polls are to be believed. Hugh has wealth and connections, and that serpent crown tattoo.
And a hell of a lot to lose.
Enough to send some anonymous thug to threaten me? I shiver, remembering my own near-miss attack. I still have the bruises fading on my ribcage from when someone tried to warn me off investigating the Blackthorn Society. This isn’t a game. These people will do anything to hide their crimes. But I can’t stop now. I’m getting closer to the truth.