Page 81 of Shadows of Timber Creek

“Tilly!” My brother calls as I push through two officers.

Caster is almost to Greyson when he lifts his hands to me. Stop, Rosie.

I ignore him, my tears flowing faster just as my father steps in my path.

“Tilly, Sweetheart, calm down.” His hands grip my shoulders, but I fight against him. Pushing and shoving anything that’s keeping me from Greyson.

Dad, stop this please! I beg with my hands.

He shakes his head and I stretch my neck to see around him. Greyson places his hands behind his back, his chin held high and his eyes hard. He doesn’t fight it. He lets Caster place the silver cuffs on his wrists and another sob wretches from my throat.

This can’t be real. This can’t be happening. Not now. Not when we just began.

His eyes meet mine briefly. He gives no emotion away, but my hands lift on their own. I love you.

My dad wraps his arms around me, tugging me into his chest as they walk Greyson out the door. I let out my frustration, my pain, my anger, all into the man who’s loved me unconditionally from day one. I feel his hands on my cheeks, and he lifts my face.

“It’s not over, Tilly. We’re going to fight. I need you to be strong. Can you do that?”

I nod absently.

I can.

I can for him.

Chapter 51

Tilly

I pull myself together. By a thread. Swipe my face and give my attention to the attorney who is standing face to face with my sister who looks absolutely feral.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Whitley’s hands shoot to her hips.

“Doing my job,” he deadpans. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“This is my hometown. Tilly is my sister.” She motions. “How do you know Greyson?”

“I don’t.” He checks his gold watch like he’s over the conversation already.

“What do you mean you don’t?” She questions. “You flew all the way from California for a man you don’t even know?”

“Are you done playing twenty questions? Is this how Sutton runs his office? No wonder he’s always behind.”

Whitley throws her hands up and faces me. “Who hired him?”

“I did.” Jace rests on a desk, a smirk across his face at the unexpected showdown taking place.

“Well, a little insight on Mr. Carmichael here.” Whitley hikes a thumb over her shoulder. “He’s an arrogant prick who has no respect for the law. He plays by his own rules and doesn’t give a shit who he crushes in the process.”

“In other words. I’m good,” he supplies.

“Good? You mean manipulative? Underhanded?” Whitley faces him. “Should I go on?”

“I think that’s enough, cupcake. You’re making me blush.” He winks.

Jace barks out a laugh and then the only man I’ve ever seen to render Whitley Harper speechless walks to me. “I’m Jordan Carmichael.” He shifts his eyes to Whitley. “Jace’s brother.”

The shocked gasp from Whitley’s mouth echos across the room.

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