Page 55 of Ruthless Intent

Speaking to Jessa-Mae, and my workplace has really hammered home the position I’m in.

I’m an idiot. I shouldn’t have signed the contract without someone checking it over first. What the hell was I thinking?

With every hour that passes, he’s taking away something important to me. First my peace of mind, then my job, now my home. He’s alienating me from everything, and I can’t see any way to stop it. Not and keep my mom safe.

The car rocks slightly as he opens his door and steps out. “Done. They’re emailing the final details to me later today.”

“Am I supposed to thank you?”

“Not at all. If you’re done with your dramatics, get in the car. The county clerk’s office will be open now.”

“My dramatics? You think I’m being dramatic?”

I spin around, yank open the door and throw myself into the seat. He joins me a second later, and starts the engine.

“You have one more call to make. Do it on the way.”

He holds out my cell, keeping his other hand on the steering wheel. I stare at it like it’s a snake, while my heart tries to break its way through my ribs. I know what he means. I know who he wants me to call.

I don’t want to do it.

When I don’t take the phone, he sighs. “Are you going to refuse to make this call as well?”

“Does it have to be done today?”

“Do you think your friends aren’t going to tell him that you’ve moved out? Do you really think you can keep it a secret from him?”

“No, but he’s going to ask why I’m breaking up with him. What am I supposed to say? I can’t tell him I’m marrying the man who went to prison for murdering my brother!”

“He’s going to find out eventually. Rip off the band-aid, Ashley, and just do it. Or do you need me to speak to him?”

“No!” I yell the word.

Just the thought of Zain speaking to Scott ramps up my anxiety levels.

Sucking in a deep breath, I take a minute to calm my racing heart, and an idea comes to me.

“I can’t tell him yet.”

“Why not?”

“Because he’ll call my mom, and she doesn’t know. I can’t tell him until after she knows.”

Please, please give me this. Don’t make me tell him before my mom.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

ZAIN

I hate to admit it, but she has a point. If I want people to believe that we’ve fallen headlong in love in a matter of days, and want to get married, then we need to do things in the right order. In my eagerness for payback, I’m rushing. I need to slow down.

But if I comply with this request, it will give her the impression I can be bargained with … and I can’t.

“Call him and end your relationship. You don’t need to give him a reason.”

“Zain, please.”

“You have the count of three to make the call. One.”

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