Page 148 of Ruthless Heir

I understand where he’s coming from and why he did what he did but it still irritates the hell out of me that he fucked with my mind in such a crude, selfish way.

“You already trust me with her. What you need to do is trust that she’ll beokaywith me.”

He nods. “You’re right. That’s the part I need to work on. She chose you and I realized there was nothing I could do. If I continued she’d shut me out, and I’d deserve it.”

I almost smile. Harper chose me. “Shewillbe okay with me, Josh. I swear to you.”

“I guess I’ll just have to take your word for it.” He nods again but this time he seems more positive. “I’m sorry about yesterday. For hitting you. I shouldn’t have lost my shit like that.”

“Like I said, I let you do it because I lied.”

“That doesn’t make it right. How do we move past this? I said and did a lot of things I shouldn’t have, then I took Harper away.”

“We just move past it and try to be the guys we used to be.” I’m not a man who forgives easily. In fact, I don’t at all. People never get second chances with me because I don’t believe in them. I’m only extending the olive branch because I don’t wantto throw away years of friendship and I know it would make things easier on Harper if Josh and I can remain friends.

“Thank you. And thanks for taking care of Harper’s loan. I want to pay you back.”

“No. That’s not something you need to repay.”

“It’s a lot of money.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

My phone rings on the desk, buzzing like it’s going to take on a life of its own. I notice on the home screen that it’s an unrecognized number calling me. I hate calls like that. Especially on a Sunday.

Since my number is delisted I know the call must be legit. “I have to take this.”

“Sure.”

I answer the call. “Hello.”

“Asher Le Blanche,” says a deep rusty voice I recognize but can’t place.

“Who is this?”

“Vito Morales.”

What the fuck?I glance at Josh, who straightens when he catches me looking at him.

“What do you want?” I don’t try to hide my annoyance that he called me.

“I have your girl. Picked her up in the hotel room where her brother left her.”

All the blood drains from my body and I stand, suddenly feeling lightheaded, like my head will fall off and crack on the floor.

“What the hell are you doing with her? I paid you your money.”

“What’s going on, Asher?” Josh stands, too and glares at me.

I can’t answer him. I have to focus on why this motherfucker has Harper.

“Here’s what I want. Ten million in cash, not a penny less. You give me that and you get her back in one piece. I’ll send over the instructions in a text.”

“I’ll kill you if you hurt her.”

“Listen friend, you’re not in a position to be making demands. Do as I say and she’ll be okay.” He laughs as if he were telling a hilarious joke. “By the way, Nolan sends his love.”

Holy. Fuck.

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