Page 138 of Theirs to Corrupt

“But I usually work out for an hour, and now I’ll have to make it two.”

We both laugh, and I appreciate the break from my worries.

At that moment, a motorcycle roars past us, and I instinctively glance over.

Pax.

No doubt.

“Did he follow us from the house?”

“Who?” She never takes her gaze off the road.

But she hadn’t blinked when the bike blazed by. Her light shrug tells me all I need to know.

When we turn into the neighborhood, I remind her that I’m going to visit Natalie later in the day. David’s out of town, and she’s invited me to see their apartment.

Girl time is exactly what I need.

“When do you want to leave?”

“Five.”

“Got it.” She nods. “Text me the address, and I’ll have it programmed in.”

I grab my unfinished drink and cake pop, then let myself into the quiet house.

After our return from Vegas, I insisted on having the codes to the alarm. Link was a little reluctant, but Pax eventually relented. After all, every time a door or window is touched, a notification is sent to his phone. I’d never get outside without him knowing.

Relieved to be alone, I head upstairs to change into jeans and a comfy shirt.

Since we got back from our honeymoon, I’ve been spending plenty of time in my room, reading and watching movies on my laptop, looking at local colleges…avoiding my husbands as much as possible.

This afternoon, I call the fund manager and my family’s attorney and make appointments to talk to them tomorrow. Then, feeling somewhat more empowered, I drop onto my bed and once again look at local colleges.

All the information from Celeste makes me think.

If I hadn’t been forced to drop out of school when I ran away, I would still be there. Now I’m determined to go back. I want to know more about finances, about business. If I keep the money my parents left in trust for me, I don’t want to waste it.

The big question is, where do I want to live?

Should I stay in Houston?

If not, where would I go?

Returning to Chicago isn’t an option.

And the truth is, until Axel leaves me alone, I’m probably trapped with Link and Pax.

I check out a few colleges that are nearby. University of Houston looks interesting, but it may be more money than I can afford. But what if I got a job?

As if Link will allow that.

Frustrated, I sigh. How long is my life going to be on hold?

But as Celeste said, I do have options. Right now, it doesn’t feel that way.

I look at the local community college. For now, I could enroll in some online classes and get started soon. They offer an associate’s in business. With the classes I’ve already completed, I can earn that quickly.

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