Page 100 of Master of My Heart

Aiden looked at him, his eyes wide. “I don’t know why. I just had to do it. I didn’t want to.”

Chase frowned, his eyes narrowed. “I don’t understand.”

“I had to do it.”

“Did someone make you?”

Aiden looked confused for a moment. Chase looked up at Ethan, who also looked confused. What the hell is going on?

Aiden closed his eyes, almost as if he were in pain. “Someone...” He winced, then groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I don’t know,” he said, his voice muffled. “I just had to do it.” He looked up at Chase, his eyes red, wide, and full of confusion. “I don’t know.”

Chase looked up at Ethan, who shook his head and raised his eyebrows. Then he studied Aiden. The man looked sincerely confused. That didn’t matter right now, though. “You need to leave Boston, tonight, and never return. If I hear that you are anywhere near Sabrina again...” Chase grabbed Aiden’s collar and gave him an icy stare. He lowered his voice. “I will kill you. Very slowly and very painfully.”

Aiden nodded, almost hysterically, as he backed his chair away, flipping it over as he stood. He tripped over the chair and hit the door frame before managing to leave the office.

As the actor disappeared, Chase let out a breath and looked at Ethan.

“What the hell was that about?” Ethan asked, righting the chair and sitting down in it.

“I have no idea,” Chase said, shaking his head. “Maybe I should ask Richard about it tonight.”

“I thought you didn’t want to go.”

“I don’t. I just want to sleep in my own bed for more than a handful of hours. But weird shit is kind of Richard’s specialty. Maybe he’ll have some insight.”

Martin returned a few minutes later. “Aiden was very apologetic as he left, but also quite distressed,” he said, sitting down in his chair. “What did you do?”

“I just encouraged him to tell the truth,” Chase said, an innocent expression on his face. Ethan laughed, and Martin arched a brow. “I didn’t touch him. Well, except his shirt. But I didn’t hit him!” he exclaimed quickly. “He got weird at the end. I need to talk to Richard.”

Martin nodded. “I’m glad you didn’t have to hit him.”

Chase frowned. “I’d have liked to have an excuse to do it, but I suppose it is better. Do you have any ideas for a replacement?”

“Yes. I left a couple messages while you were... talking with Aiden.”

“Good.” Chase stood. “I’ve got to get going. I’m sorry this happened, but I’m glad it’ll work out okay.”

Martin stood to shake hands with Chase and Ethan. “Me, too. I’m so relieved Sabrina will be okay. I’ll keep a closer eye on her from now on.”

“I will, too.” Chase said solemnly.

Martin nodded. “I’m sure you will.”

Chase saw guilt in the older man’s eyes. “Sabrina will be safe from now on. I’ll make sure of that.”

*****

Chase returned to Jayson’s apartment. Ethan took a cab back to the condo since the “fun was over.” When Chase walked in, Liz ran up and hugged him hard.

“I’m so glad you got through to Sabrina!” she exclaimed.

He patted her back in a brotherly fashion. “I am, too. Aiden’s gone and won’t bother anyone anymore.”

She released him and smiled. “Thank you.”

Chase grinned. “Anytime. You know that.”

Liz nodded. “I’m still thankful.”

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