Page 91 of Rush of Jealousy

“Back in Portland,” he says with a shrug. “I figured we would be playing the game eventually. I just got it delivered.”

I smile. “Pretty cool. Thanks. What is your piece?”

Graham holds up a miniature bag with bills coming out.

I shake my head at him. “Suitable.”

He chuckles and wiggles his eyebrows. “I cannot wait for you to lose to me.”

I shift my legs. “You wish.”

“Sir?” Collins clears his throat loud enough to halt our conversation. His unyielding stance is in the doorframe leading to the sunroom. His look is of concern, and maybe fear of getting reamed for interrupting us.

Graham glances his way and a message is exchanged. I almost miss the subtle nod that Graham gives his right-hand man.

“Miss McFee, your father texted you, and Mr. Worthington called you. Would you like to access your phone to respond?”

I slouch my shoulders, and my face turns cold from the blood washing out of me. I feel the double stare bore into me from both men as they wait for my answer.

“Do you need to contact either of them, Angie?” Graham asks. “You can.” His voice is velvety smooth. I feel like it is a test though.

I shake my head rapidly. “No, I can handle it later. No biggie. Can I get my phone back, though?” I look toward Collins, who suddenly looks agitated.

“No,” Graham answers for him.

“Why not?” I challenge, wrinkling my forehead with my glare.

“Because I need to know if Tanner makes contact with you. And—”

I cross my arms over my chest and sigh. “You don’t trust me to tell you.”

“I refuse to apologize when your safety is my first priority.”

“You refuse to apologize for much of anything,” I point out.

“This is not up for negotiation. We are doing this my way from now on so I can guarantee you are safe.”

“Fine.” There’s really no point arguing. What am I going to do, tackle two full-grown men for the usage of my cell phone? I can only pray that Zander doesn’t say anything that will push Graham over the edge. I cannot handle that right now. And I already feel guilty for pretty much leaving him in limbo with my emotions. As for my dad, I would bet that he is most likely needing money I do not have. That has been his theme for years, and I can’t keep enabling him.

Collins turns to leave, and Graham is eyeing me from his side of the table. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” The words are classically female and classically an avoidance of the real issue. I know that if I look him in his eyes, he will catch my lie on his radar. My eyes shut to hold back the tears that pool. Why do I turn into a pile of emotional girl goo at every turn when it comes to him? If my pain was a knife, I would be shredded right now—bleeding out onto the floor of the flawless tweed carpet.

“Shhh…” He is at my side before the first tear drips from my chin, down on bended knee.

I push away his hands at his comforting touch, not wanting it now. I clear my throat and straighten in the chair. “I’m ready to play.”

Graham’s confusion is evident in his wide eyes and raised brow. He looks at me incredulously, and I can see the fight he has with himself as to whether or not to keep pressing me for more information. When his eyes soften back to the mystical blue, he rises from the floor and retreats into the main living area of the house. He comes back with two huge mugs of coffee, and I sip on the hot beverage and try to relax.

We each roll one die to see who goes first. Graham gets a four, and I have a two. He then shakes both and rolls a nine. It is no shock to me that he buys Connecticut Avenue. I roll a five and buy Reading Railroad. Graham lands on St. James Place and sweeps that property up. I get Virginia Avenue. We go back and forth buying up properties, picking up cards, and performing the tasks. But when I roll and land on his green Pennsylvania Avenue land, I decide to pay and avoid answering a question.

“You’re going to run out of money,” he says smoothly.

“Always do,” I say. It is true. This is what happens to me in real life. I am accustomed to it.

“Interested in a personal loan?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “No strings attached?”

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