Page 48 of Redemption

“You give yourself too much credit, Miss Jackson. Now what is the real reason you came barging into my home, unannounced?”

She swallows hard, her cheeks changing color. Redheads blush easily. And bruise…

“I want you to leave me alone.”

“I can’t recall ever having done anything else. I have barely met you.”

“You and I both know that’s not true.”

I wait for her to continue. How far will she dare to push this?

“You sent a hitman for me, Christian Russo, if the name rings a bell? You can say whatever you want, deny it, whatever, but I know you did. I can only assume you think I know something that will incriminate you, because of what David told me.”

I throw out my hands. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Miss Jackson. I’m just a businessman, I don’t know anything about ‘hitmen’.”

She glares at me, deadpanned. I can’t help grinning. A part of me likes this girl. She almost killed one of my best men, and she’s here, facing me. She hasn’t talked. Timehasbeen her friend, even though she doesn’t know it. I realized she wasn’t gonna talk when she snuck out of that hospital, when she didn’t rat on Christian. It made me reassess the situation and, frankly, lose interest in pursuing her. She’s obviously a clever girl who knows to stay quiet. What my nephew does, however, is gonna be his own business regarding Kerry Jackson.

“Was that all?”

Her face contorts as she gasps for air, clutching her hands into fists and pressing them to her chest. Tears roll down her cheeks, and she looks absolutely lost as she stares at me wordlessly.

I stand and round the desk as I pick up a tissue, dabbing her wet cheeks. She smells fresh, of freesia and lavender, clean. And she’s so fucking small. The predator in me stirs from being so close to this helpless little mouse. I could have her tied up in a second, and do whatever I want with her. Does she realize the danger she’s in?

Her breathing becomes erratic as she stares up at me, innocent, wide-eyed. I think she knows, and yet she came here. I can’t help feeling a little bit of respect for her bravery.

“Please let me go back to my life.” Her voice trembles, she can barely get the words out. “Please call back your hitman. I haven’t told the police anything. You already know that, don’t you? How could I even? Everybody knows they’re corrupt. It would make me very accident prone, now wouldn’t it? And, Mr. Salvatore, I haven’t witnessed anything. I don’t know anything.”

She chews on her lip and I reach out, stroking my thumb over her chin. She’s warm and soft, and doesn’t flinch. I take a step back and look her over.

“You’re a courageous young woman, Miss Jackson, and with admirable integrity. I see the appeal. Thank you for your visit. I appreciate your passion for your work and asking about David. I’ll make sure to say hi to him from you.”

She stares at me, her mouth falling open, then she shakes her head. “No, please don’t mention me to him. It doesn’t benefit him.”

Her last words win me over. The selfless caring for David does me in.

“Please call off your hitman, Mr. Salvatore,” she rasps.

Well, I would, but I honestly can’t. When Christian has set his mind on something, he follows through, and he is clearly set on punishing this girl. Bad.

“I have no beef with you, Miss Jackson.”

She sags with obvious relief.

“But I can’t control my nephew. He’s a loose cannon, and he’s got a fixation on you. I’d have to kill him to spare you, and frankly, that won’t happen.”

Her face freezes, her whole body going rigid as her mouth falls open. I see it as it hits home. She didn’t know we’re related. Of course she didn’t. Why would she? She looks aghast and new tears well up in her eyes. Then she takes a step forward and pushes at my chest, making me take half a step back in surprise before I catch her thin wrists in my hands.

“I’m pregnant with his child!” she yells in my face, so close a drop of spit hits me.

Kerry jerks her arms out of my grip, and I let her, stunned. It’s as if time takes a short break, as if the weave that is reality, tears. I give her a once over, too surprised to speak.

Tears fall again, rolling over her cheeks.

“You’re monsters! You’re all monsters!” she screams hoarsely and storms out, slamming open the door so hard it smacks into the wall, no doubt leaving a mark.

Eric sticks in his head and jerks it toward the running woman, a question on his face. I wave dismissively.

“Let her run. And leave me alone for a while. I’ll call you.”