Page 7 of Fiery Romance

“His family owns a group of companies and countless subsidiaries.”

“What?”

Sidney wiggles a finger at me. “I see that look in your eyes, Island, but you can’t do anything to him. The purchase was made fair and square. Besides, Bolton didn’t buy the bank under his name. It belongs to his LLC. Even if you tried, you wouldn’t have a legal ground to stand on.”

I squeeze my eyes shut and then quickly open them.

In a smooth voice, I play dumb. “Uncle Sid, I don’t understand LLCs from bitcoins. But I’m still disappointed. Juicy information crossed your desk and never got to me. You know how heavily my business depends on this bank. And it goes both ways. My salons contribute to your liquid assets.”

“Which is why you would have been among the first to be informed… when this news hit the right channels.”

My smile slips and I quickly tack it back in place.

Sid leaves his desk and gives me a robust shoulder squeeze. “Don’t worry. These mergers rarely affect the bank’s day-to-day business.” He grins. “Besides, you’re only one person among our numerous clientele. It’s not like the owner even knows your name.”

I laugh faintly. “Why would he need to know me at all?”

Sid laughs along. And then he slips his hands into his pockets and croaks, “So… how’s your grandmother?”

“Still married to my grandpa, Sid,” I say shortly.

I’m still freaking out about the news.

Clay Bolton definitely bought the bank.

And he definitely has it out for me.

What is he going to do with that kind of power? How can I fight back when I have none?

Sid’s cheeks cave in. “Right. Right. Just… tell her I said hi.”

“Sure.” I back out of the office and make my way outside.

* * *

By the timeI hit the crowded sidewalk, I feel numb to the brilliant sunset, the fluffy clouds overhead, and the smell of exhaust from bumper-to-bumper traffic.

It’s fine. Clay Bolton isn’t serious. He just wanted to shake you up today. He’s not petty enough to jeopardize your life’s work. You’re fine. Everything’s fine.

In the middle of a mental breakdown, my phone rings.

It’s an alarm I set, a reminder for my most important appointment of the day.

Shoot. I’ll be late.

I catch the subway to escape traffic. Once I’m seated, I lean my head against the window and let out a sigh. It feels like a giant rock’s been sitting on my chest. I need relief. I need… Taz.

My fingers punch in his number without having to look.

The line rings and rings.

It goes to voicemail.

“Hey, this is Taz. If you can’t reach me, I’m probably off on another adventure, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Leave a message after the beep.”

For the first time, I let the smile disappear from my face, squeeze my eyes shut and speak softly, “Taz, it’s been a minute. I don’t want to bother you, but today’s been one of those days. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. Should I tell you?”

There’s only silence.

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