Page 31 of Embrace Me Forever

“I’ll make sure you get on that plane,” he promises.

I glance around, wishing the moment would stretch. “So, you live alone? I won’t be disturbing anyone else, will I?”

“It’s just me and Poppy,” he replies with ease, starting to pivot before turning back to me. “Oh, one more thing—the outside alarms are on. So, please, no opening windows or doors, okay? It’ll wake Poppy up, too. She’s connected to the system. She won’t be a nice doggy when that happens.”

I stifle a giggle, imagining the dog transforming into a shooting tank or something. I doubt that’ll be the case, but I do feel even more secure. Then, standing on my toes, I give him a light peck on the cheek. “Good night, Blake.”

His wiry beard tickles my lips, and his arms rest loosely on my hips. I feel his mouth brush behind my ear, but then he lets go. I swear, if I could, I’d ask to share his bed tonight. The thought of being alone feels unbearable.

10

BLAKE

Lying in bed, staring at my laptop screen, I exhale a breath of relief. She’s not evil. My initial suspicions were off, yet not entirely misplaced. I had been barking up the wrong tree, fixated solely on the business dealings of Hartley Marine. Had I looked into her daughter, Coco-Rae, the truth might have surfaced sooner. Nevertheless, the nagging doubts in my gut proved accurate. Her world is indeed hiding a dark secret.

Now, someone else needs to know.

I grab my phone and text Rob. Luckily, he’s still awake, and we hop on a call.

“Hey Rob, sorry to bother you so late, but we need to talk about Georgia-May.”

“Go for it,” he says, concern immediately creeping into his voice.

“A lot, actually. I found the truth about her. She’s not a threat.”

“Thank God for that! We can’t handle any more surprises right now.”

“Her proposal, the money she’s asking, it’s all for her daughter. The little girl had a brain tumor. I investigated records at the children’s hospital, and her story checked out.”

Rob exhales heavily, a rare sound. “Damn, poor kid.”

I grip my phone, my voice tightening. “There’s more. She was attacked by two men in her motel room.”

“What? Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s with me now. But she’s tangled up with Bertram Insurance—apparently a big player in Europe and Asia Pacific.”

Rob’s tone drops. “I’ve heard of them, but I never had a reason to keep tabs. They once tried to crack the US market during the insurance boom but couldn’t pull it off. They had the resources, like AIG’s attempt in China, but the market didn’t bite.”

“Do you know anything about Abner Bertram?”

“Not personally. He’s a shark—ruthless, but with a cruel elegance. A few of our European clients have had dealings with him. Why? Is she caught up with Abner himself?” His voice crackles with worry.

I nod to myself as if he could see me affirming his guess. “Pretty much. I’ll fill you in with more details tomorrow. But I need a favor, Rob.”

“Anything you need.”

“I need to take a few days off.”

“You? Taking leave? That’s a first.”

“I know. Gotta stay with her in Denver.”

“Absolutely. You’ve earned it. Take care of things,” he agrees firmly.

“Thanks, Rob. I appreciate it.”

With that settled, I put the phone down. But sleep eludes me. I stare at the ceiling, willing my mind to shut down, but it’s no use. Thoughts of Georgia-May keep racing through my head.Her confession, her determination, her vulnerability, and the fact that I’d been wrong about her all along.

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