Total pages in book: 171
Estimated words: 162003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 810(@200wpm)___ 648(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 810(@200wpm)___ 648(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
The muscle in Ryland’s jaw and his bruising grip on my arm were the only outward signs of his rage. To the cameras around us, I was certain it looked like nothing more than a normal conversation.
“Can you not see the baby in her stomach?” he asked. “Because I fucking put it there.”
The possession in his words told me I’d stepped into something far bigger than just a couple of business rivals. There was obviously some bad blood between them that went much deeper than I’d realized.
The flash of cameras increased around us, and Alex didn’t miss a beat. He tipped his head back and laughed as though he were having the time of his life.
“No need to go pissing circles around her, old pal,” he said cheerfully. “I think the whole world knows she’s yours. A product of your own doing, from what I understand. You know, I have to say it surprises me. You better than anyone ought to realize how vulnerable that can make you, Ryland.”
Ryland’s cool exterior dissolved as he took a menacing step forward, and I glanced around the room in a panic. Mick caught my eye from across the floor and nodded as he moved to intercede. Ryland was coiled so tight I was afraid Mick wouldn’t make it in time. And to make matters worse, Alex continued to provoke him.
“You know, there’s only so much money you can throw at a problem,” Alex said in a low voice. “At the end of the day, there is still such a thing as honor among thieves. Loyalty will buy you a helluva lot more than money ever can.”
Mick finally pushed his way through the crowd, and just in time. I was clinging so tightly to Ryland’s suit I thought it would rip.
“Get him out of here,” I demanded. “He’s not welcome at this event.”
Mick grabbed Alex by the arm, and he shrugged him off before smoothing down his rumpled tux. “No need for dramatics.” His eyes flashed towards mine with malice. “I’ll be glad to escort myself out.”
Mick followed him, and Ryland shrugged me off as he turned to watch. I wanted to ask him what that was about. I wanted to ask him if I was imagining things when I heard the threat in Alex’s words. Was he threatening me and the baby? I didn’t understand.
Matt and Nicole appeared at my side, and I moved to take a step towards Ryland. He held up his hand with a dark look in his eye. Exactly the one I was afraid of. He thought I’d betrayed him.
“Not now, Brighton.”
He glanced towards Matt. “Don’t leave her side for the rest of the night.”
And with that, he stalked from the room.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Brighton
The rest of the charity gala passed in a painfully slow haze. I didn’t see Ryland anywhere, and I tried my best not to think about his hurt expression as I mingled with the guests.
The night was even more successful than we’d ever hoped, raking in tons of cash that would balloon Sophia’s Shoes ability to help kids to epic proportions. I should have been elated. Ecstatic. But all I could think about was Ryland and Alex.
As we stepped outside the hotel, Ted was there to greet us. Just as I suspected, he’d already taken Ryland home. Nicole, Matt, and I piled into the backseat of the car, and I wrung my hands in my lap as we drove through the city.
“I’m so sorry, Brighton,” Nicole said sheepishly. “I had no idea that things between them were that bad.”
“Me either,” I admitted. “He’s never even mentioned him to me before.”
“They went to business school together in Chicago,” Nicole explained. “And then they both started up their companies here. But I always thought it was more of a whose is bigger sort of contest if you know what I mean.”
“I don’t think so,” Matt cut in. “That guy gives me a bad feeling. I don’t trust that slimy smile on his face. And I know for a fact the Burton family is involved in some bad shit.”
“Like what?” I asked.
“His father has been accused of racketeering on more than one occasion,” Matt volunteered. “And some of his employees have a bad habit of going missing.”
“Jesus,” I whispered. “I had no idea. Is this in Chicago?”
Matt nodded.
“It kind of sounded like Alex was threatening Ryland,” I said. “Or me. I’m not really sure why, though.”
Matt and Nicole gave each other a worried glance before looking back at me. “I’m sure he was just being belligerent,” Nicole whispered.
But even I could hear the fear in her voice. She didn’t believe it for a second. Alex Burton was a powerful man, and for some reason, he had a bone to pick with Ryland. I would have to ask him about it. But first, I knew I had some groveling to do.