Page 75 of Desolation

“It just doesn’t make sense.”

I know it doesn’t. I don’t know why he would do any of this but those words he told me months ago sit in the forefront of my mind and I know he has to be behind this.

I always get what I want, Mariela. And I will do anything to get it. Even if it hurts the ones I love.

“I have some names that my friend gave me. Since I don’t have all our financial history with me, maybe you can cross reference. See if anything sticks out.”

“Okay.” She answers hesitantly.

“I promise I will be back soon. Even if my friend can’t help. I know I need to be back for the girls.”

“Just email me what you have and I will do what I can.”

“Thank you.”

I say goodbye and hang up. Fear creeps up my spine. I can’t let him get away with this. And if it’s not him doing this then Dax needs to figure shit out quickly.

I send Rebecca an email with the names Dax gave me, hoping she can find anything that will help.

My eyes begin to cross as I look through the files. I’ve been at it for almost four hours and I feel as lost as I was the day I found the file in Michael’s desk.

A knock at the door startles me. I can just make out the silhouette of Landon through the drapes on the French doors to the pool house.

I open the door to let him in and see him standing with a large brown paper bag.

“I’ve been trying to reach you for a few hours. Figured you were working. I brought dinner. Don’t worry I didn’t cook this time.”

I look at the bag then him before wrapping my arms around his neck, kissing him hard.

He pushes me inside with his hand on my hip. Before we reach the couch, he drops the food on the coffee table.

He turns us around so he can sit down and pulls me on top of him. The last few days with him have been a string of dirty make out sessions that turn into hot sex. I grind down on his hips as he twists my nipples over my shirt.

“How did you get in?” I ask knowing the gate is always shut to the driveway.

He doesn’t answer. Instead he pulls my shirt over my head, his mouth latching on to my nipples. I arch into the sensation; glad I didn’t put a bra on today.

He slowly makes his way up my chest, licking my collarbone, before sucking on the side of my neck. “Mmm. I needed this today.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” I say as I grind hard onto his growing erection.

“Gate was open,” he murmurs into my ear.

My hands fumble at his belt as he says it. “What?”

“Baby, don’t stop.”

I push off him and stand. “The gate was open?”

He nods. “Yeah, what’s the problem?”

“It’s always locked.”

Those words make him jump from the couch. He throws my tank at me and grabs my hand dragging me toward the bathroom. “Hide.”

I don’t question him. I slink into the shower as he shuts off the light and locks the door before shutting it behind him.

Panic starts to set in. I have no idea what is happening.

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