Page 198 of Fiery Romance

“I’ve been trying to contact you all evening. Why haven’t you picked up the phone?”

“Well, I—”

“Just because you’ve gotten a huge payout from Clay doesn’t mean you’re jumping on his side, are you?”

I sit straighter.

“Miss Hayes, I’m going to assume the marriage to your high school sweetheart won’t affect the deal between you and me.”

“What deal?”

“The one where you speak as my witness in court, of course.” She sounds like she’s pouting. “Have you forgotten?”

“Miss Vanderweih, I… I don’t think I can do that.”

I’ve hurt Clay enough.

“Well, that’s too bad.” She sighs. “I guess I’ll have to turn in all the evidence of Clay’s blackmail to the police. Even if you don’t press charges, he can still be under investigation and that won’t look good to the judge.”

“Why are you doing this?” I hiss. “Why can’t you just leave Clay and his kids alone?”

“Could you leave your grandchild alone if you knew he was with someone who wasn’t capable of giving him the best?”

“That’s not Clay,” I say, wincing as my head tightens from the stress. “He loves Abe as much as he loves Regan.”

“That’s not your call to make. Abe is miserable living with his father. Clay is too hard on him. He doesn’t understand a child like Abe. After what happened to Anya, he should have settled down and gotten a normal job. But he didn’t. He runs a dangerous, demanding security firm. What if, someday, someone comes after him and his family? Will Abe be in the crosshairs?” She lets out a shuddering breath. “I know that my daughter’s son will be much safer, muchhappierwith me. And I will do anything to make that happen.”

Sincerity rings through her voice. I don’t doubt her for a minute.

“It’s up to you, Miss Hayes. Iwilltake Clay down, but your decision will determine how much he loses when I’m through with him.”

“Wait—”

Click.

She hung up.

I dig my fingers into the bed and lick my lips nervously.

“Knock, knock.” Gran bumps the door open with her hip and walks in with a tray. “I heard you walking around. How do you feel?”

I set the phone away.

“Like I want to crawl under the covers and never come out.”

Grampa walks in behind Gran. “Running and hiding won’t solve your problems. You’re going to keep facing the same challenges until you beat them. That’s the way life works.”

“Thank you for the unnecessary tidbit, honey.”

“You’re welcome.” Grampa puffs out his chest.

Gran rolls her eyes.

“Your fever’s down.” She holds a hand to my forehead. “But you still look frail. Here, I made you some soup.”

I’m not hungry, but I can tell she made an effort. I force myself to sip from the spoon she offers me.

Normally, I love Gran’s cooking.

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