Page 24 of Forever Filthy

“We also need Ezekiel Tempest, who I am assuming is your husband, to join the team as our star wide receiver,” Crue adds.

“How do you know how they play?” I ask.

“We don’t just take any transfers onto our team at CHU. Hours of tapes have been watched before we select. Coach maybe the face of the team but make no mistake, Vivian, the five of us are the ones who give the final nod on who joins and the fact my son thinks your brother is good enough to take over his place as starting QB, that means something.” I swing my gaze to Dawson, I had no idea he even played football let alone that he is the fucking quarterback!

I open my mouth but no words come out, I can’t promise them anything. I want to lie and say yes to it all but if all of this turns to shit, then I can’t guarantee that the guys will do anything to help me.

“I can’t promise you that,” I admit quietly, feeling utterly defeated. “I want to sit here and lie and tell you that they will do as I say but I can’t.”

“Why not?” Saint asks.

I shrug. “Because one day I hope to attend CHU as a student and lying to the owners doesn’t seem like the best way to start. Thank you all for your time,” I say as I stand.

“Wait.” I still half way out of my chair and look at Darius. “Sit down.” I do as he says. “The fact you didn’t bullshit us is the reason we will help. If you had agreed to our terms we would never have given the information you needed.”

I gape at him. “Are you serious?” I rasp out.

“Yes. Now, get your phone out and start recording.” I do as Crue says and sit back and listen while they explain everything. This is one of the final pieces I needed! I suddenly feel like I might actually be able to pull this shit off.

Chapter Fourteen

Vivian

By the time I walk out of the meeting the sun is setting and my mind is reeling with all the new information I have gathered. The fact they even offered me a scholarship in computer science under the guidance of Saint and Crue’s wife Katie has blown my mind. I can start next year and I am beyond fucking excited for the first time in a year, I can see the light at the end of a really dark tunnel. My car is idling at the curb so I slip into the back seat. My guards packed up my bags for me so I wouldn’t have to return to the dorms and risk bumping into one of the guys.

I spend the long drive home catching up on emails and returning calls, the Saints are clearly happy with the opening of Lividica. Tate sent me an email updating me on the profits we have made since opening night and I can admit the figure has farexceeded my expectations. I’m considering opening a few more clubs just like it around the country. I open my next email and still, then pull my phone out and dial David.

“Lordess,” he answers on the second ring.

“Why am I looking at an email from the warden of Alexander Denver’s prison?”

“I don’t know.” He answers.

“I need you to do some digging, he could be the one behind the letters and the packages?—”

“It was another head,” he blurts out. I gasp and try to remain conscious as I breathe through the nausea.

“W-who was it?” I stutter.

“I think it would be better to discuss this when you get back?—”

“Who the fuck was it, David!” I scream.

“Kelly Valerian.” A sob tears out of me. I end the call and nearly drop my phone twice as I dial Nova. My heart is in my throat as I wait for her to answer, it rings for so long I begin to think she isn’t going to answer but then she does.

“Vivian.” It’s not Nova, it’s my brother and he sounds murderous.

“Vox, I have to tell you something.”

“Vi, I am going to ask you this once and I’m not fucking around. Do you know who took Nova’s mother?”

Tears spill down my cheeks. “No,” I whisper.

“But you know something?” he pushes.

“Hmmm,” I mutter.

“Vi, my girl is breaking apart hunting for her mom. Olivia and mom called her after I dropped you off and we flew back to Washington to find her house trashed and her missing. Ezekiel, Hayze and Archer are on their way here to help us track down the fucker and bring Kelly home so?—”

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