Page 140 of Theirs to Corrupt

“Look, little dove?—”

“You’ll excuse me. I’m running late.” After I key in the code on the alarm, the door releases. Quickly I open it before I can change my mind or Link tries to stop me again.

Arielle is waiting in the SUV with the engine running. As I slide into the back seat, I exhale, feeling like I’ve escaped a trap.

Rain begins to fall as we drive to Natalie’s apartment. The weather matches my mood—gloomy and dark.

Natalie greets me with a warm hug. As we settle onto her couch, she says, “First things first. What are we doing about dinner? I’m starved.”

“Want to order pizza?” I offer. The ones Pax got for us were amazing.

“Order?” she repeats. “You mean we’re not going to have those cardboard things that we used to get at the grocery store?”

I grin at the very recent memory. Still, I no longer feel like the same person. “My treat.”

“In that case, I want extra pepperoni and double cheese. Oh, and whatever they have for dessert. Something cinnamony or chocolatey.”

“You got it.” I look up the place and call them while Natalie pours us some wine.

Outside, thunder crashes, and lightning streaks past the window. I’m doubly glad we’re staying in. And I’ll have to tip the delivery person double. Being out in that weather sucks.

“So spill,” Natalie says, handing me my drink, then dropping back onto the couch next to me. “What’s been going on?”

I take a deep breath. “Where do I even start?”

“How about with your brother?” she prompts. “He leaving you alone?”

“I wish.” I run a finger along the rim of my glass. “Axel’s been texting me nonstop.” A chill goes through me. “He says that my marriage signed his death warrant.”

“What the actual hell?”

“Now he wants me to sign over my inheritance to save his life.”

Natalie’s eyes widen. “An inheritance? Are you serious?”

Thunder rumbles, and I jump.

After forcing out a breath, I take a sip of wine to steady myself. “Apparently so.”

“You didn’t know?”

“No idea.” Over the next few minutes as driving rain beats against the window, I fill her in with everything I’ve learned since meeting Celeste. “Link knew about it. He’s been trying tomove the fund over to Merritt Sovereign. He talked to the fund manager, claiming spousal privilege.”

Natalie’s expression darkens. “You’re not going to let him?”

“No.” I shake my head.

“Good. Now tell me you’re not giving it to Axel after all he did.”

“Honestly I’m not sure what to do. Celeste advises against it.”

The doorbell rings.

“Must be the pizza,” Nat says, jumping up.

I follow her to the door, digging in my purse for cash to tip the driver. Nat swings the door open.

The delivery person has a hood up because of the weather, but as he raises his head, he tosses the hood back.

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