Page 90 of Keep Me

Once we’re outside the stadium, I turn to Jasmine, needing answers. “Talk,” I bite out, much harsher than I want.

Theo places a hand on my chest, drawing my attention to him. “Look, I know you’re pissed, but you need to watch how you talk to her.”

I take a deep breath, then nod. “I’m sorry, Jasmine. I’m freaking the fuck out, and you don’t deserve that.”

“It’s okay, Ryker.” She gives me a small smile, but it’s gone just as fast. “Before I talk, I’d like to say Theo is aware of the situation because I couldn’t stop crying when I got back to my seat.”

“I won’t say a word,” Theo swears, a hand over his heart.

“Jasmine, spill it. I’m losing it,” I urge her.

With a deep breath, she peers up at me with an apologetic look on her face. “Her dad called her during the game, and she was gone for a bit but then texted me to meet her in the concession area. When I did, she was in tears,” she explains. “She told me that her dad is forcing her back home to be married in two days in order to save their country. If she doesn’t go, he’d ensure you never stepped foot on a baseball field again. She lied to her bodyguard, Idris, who told her to wait so they could look into how legit this is, but she didn’t want to risk anything happening to you. She already left.”

What. The. Fuck.

Married?

My heart stings in my chest, an ache so forceful it nearly sends me to the ground at the image of her in a white dress for some fucking guy who isn’t me. I know she thinks she’s protecting me, but hell, I’d rather never play a baseball game again than lose her.

The thought is shocking, yet somehow makes perfect sense. There is no happy ending without her.

Jasmine’s full-on crying now, her voice shaky. “She told me to tell you this. She hopes she can make it back here to you and that she lo—”

“Don’t.” I hold up my gloved hand for her to stop. I don’t want the first time Camille tells me she loves me to be through her friend. I plan on hearing it from her, because that girl is fucking mine and I’ll do anything to make sure of it.

“What are we going to do?” Jasmine cries, just as Elio comes running up to us, concern etched on his face.

“Dolcezza,” he calls out, and Jasmine runs toward him, burying herself in his chest as he runs a hand up and down her back.

“I texted him. I knew she’d need him,” Theo explains.

I debate on texting Camille, but everything is raw right now. I need to figure out what the hell is happening before I do that.

“What’s going on?” Elio asks, looking at the two of us.

Theo gives Elio the rundown, while he continues soothing Jasmine the best he can.

“Jesus fuck, does her brother know?” Elio asks.

“I’m not sure,” I answer.

“I’m going to call him. Either he knows or we need to tell him,” Elio says, pulling out his phone.

Elio speaks to Quentin in French, leaving us out of the loop.

Once he hangs up, I’m on him instantly. “What did he say?”

“He’s back at Cami’s place with the security team, trying to hack into her dad’s system, but it’s taking longer than usual. King De Beaumont must’ve caught on to them and upped his firewall,” he says. “And Q wants you to go there, Ryker. Wait till they find out more before anyone does anything.”

“That could take too long. I’m not letting her marry whoever her father wants her to marry,” I scoff, feeling myself grow impatient with the reminder that she’s boarding a plane back home.

Theo claps his hands together. “I have an idea.”

“Well, let’s hear it,” I snap.

“Millie Moo can’t get married if she’s already married, right?” His lips twist, smirking as if he’s a genius.

“She’s not, though,” I point out.

---