Page 49 of The Passion

“Thought you were heading to bed, hence the noise-cancelling headphones. Should I be worried it was over that quickly?”

“Very funny. I’m a gentleman, I wouldn’t embarrass her like that.”

“Bullshit. She turned you down, didn’t she.” Asshole thinks he’s funny, although he’s close to the truth.

“Sleep is what she needs. Plus, gives me a chance to talk to you alone.” I lean back in the seat, raising my hands and running them through my hair, then let out a long breath that I feel like I have been holding since Felisha walked into the wedding.

“You okay?” Forrest puts aside his laptop and sits forward, giving me his direct attention.

“No.” My mind is still spinning, trying to pigeonhole all the emotions that are running loose inside. The anger, frustration, and confusion are mixed in with the elation that the woman I couldn’t get out of my head—and that had me questioning my life choices—is now here, with me. And finally admitting to herself how she feels about me. It’s what I was silently praying for, but I wish that it hadn’t come at such a high cost to her.

“What do you need from me?” And that is why I love my brother. No matter what is happening in our lives, he is always there for me.

“I know Rem and Broderick are doing all the background work and investigating they can, but I need to do more.” Sitting up straight, I’m determined to get my own plan in action as soon as I can. “And I need your help.”

“Go check she’s asleep, and then let’s get started.” Forrest grabs his laptop and moves to the table we use as a workstation when we are collaborating while flying together.

Slowly opening the door to the bedroom, just as I suspected Felisha hasn’t moved from where she was when I left the room. Her mouth is slightly open, eyes closed, and her long eyelashes are fanned on her skin. The sleep looks more peaceful than last night, and I don’t know if that’s because we are on our way home and she is feeling more in control, or if it’s just that she feels safe with me. I hope it’s both.

Harper has planned for the Kentwall jet to land at the airport just before us so Felisha can meet up with her and leave together in the car so all looks normal. Of course, if someone on theplane mentions that Harper was the only passenger, then we have a problem. Her father hopefully doesn’t suspect something is wrong, so he would have no reason to be looking at flight records.

Taking one last look at the woman who is quickly becoming the reason I breathe, I know I’ll do anything to protect her. She won’t like it, but I’ve come up with a backup plan that hopefully we will never need, but if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that you can never have enough options in these situations.

I grab my laptop on the way to the table where Forrest is set up and waiting.

“What’s your plan?” Forrest looks up from his typing.

“You’re not going to like it.”

“No doubt, but tell me anyway.” He is looking at me, waiting for the bombshell he suspects I’m about to drop on him.

“I need you to help me gain control of Kentwall Estates.”

His face tilts sideways slightly. “Don’t you mean for Felisha?” He picks up straight away that I said for me.

“No. I want control so I can bury that bastard and make him pay. Then I will step down and sign everything over to Felisha.” I start to type notes in a blank document I just opened.

“You’re right. I don’t like it. In fact, I hate it. It’s the stupidest fucking idea I have ever heard.” He slumps back into the leather chair and sighs.

“But you’ll do it anyway. Now tell me how.”

“Does Felisha know about this fucked-up plan?” Forrest already knows the answer but is asking anyway.

“No, and you aren’t to say a word. She’d never agree to it. But even if she did, I don’t want to get her hopes up about anything and then fail. She’s already had one man she thought she could trust let her down, I don’t want to do that to her too. It would crush her.” My head is down, and I’m not looking up at him to see his disapproval.

“What makes you think I will agree to this either?” Forrest grumbles at me.

Looking up finally, I know my determination is written all over my face. I’m not backing down on this.

“Because I’ve never asked you for anything before, but I’m asking now. I need you, and Felisha needs this back-up plan.”

Glaring at me, he throws his hands in the air. “Fuck. Alright, I’m in on one condition.”

I was feeling a moment of relief until he said that, and my heart races a little waiting for his next sentence.

“You tell Nic and Rem. We promised no more secrets.” There’s fire in his eyes, and I know he won’t back down on this, but I totally understand.

“Agreed.” Standing, I step out from behind the table.

---