Page 101 of Living on the Edge

I hesitate—because the need to protect him is strong—but then nod. He’s much better equipped to handle his family than I am.

“All right. I could use some sleep.”

He leans over and lightly presses his lips to mine. “Get some rest. I’ll come lie down with you when I’m done with my dad.”

“See you later.” I watch him go and then get into bed.

It’s like lying on a cloud and I realize how exhausted I am. I dozed on the plane, but that was only about an hour before it was time to deboard. It’s only one o’clock now, and his mother said dinner was at seven, which means I can sleep for four hours or so before I need to get up and make myself presentable for dinner.

I set the alarm on my phone and drift off.

* * *

I wakeup before the alarm and realize it’s only four o’clock. For whatever reason, I can’t get comfortable, and I figure it probably has to do with the fact that Angus never came back. He’s been gone a long time, and he must be tired too.

I pull on a pair of shorts and decide to go exploring. Maybe I’ll find Angus and convince him to get a little rest before dinner.

I stuff my phone in my back pocket and leave the bedroom, closing the door behind me with a soft click. The house is quiet as I descend the stairs, and I pause at the bottom, looking around. I have no idea where anything is and since I don’t necessarily want to interrupt Angus if he’s still with his father, I head outside. The pool area was pretty, and a walk might energize me.

As I stare at the crystalline waters, I desperately want to jump in.

It’s hot and muggy today, so a swim would feel great, but I didn’t bring my bathing suit. Not that I’d go swimming without an invitation, but it looks so relaxing. I move out of the sun toward the covered part of the patio and sink into a lounge chair. If I’m not careful, I’ll fall asleep again, so I pull out my phone and check my email.

Rich wants to talk to me.

Not today.

The maintenance on my condo is due, but that’s not something I want to deal with today either.

I delete most of the emails and then go through my texts.

Kirsten wants to know how Angus is doing.

Taryn sends me a funny meme.

One of my neighbors reminds me that maintenance is due.

I’m about to respond to Kirsten’s text when I hear voices.

“…it’s time, Violetta.”

“It is not time, Alex!”

Yikes.

That’s Angus’s mom and his uncle.

I shrink down a little in the lounge chair, hoping they keep walking, but I’m not that lucky.

“He needs to know.”

“He’s gone thirty-two years without knowing—and nothing has changed.”

“My father is dead. My brother is now expecting his first-born son to join the family business. They’ve been locked away all afternoon.”

“It’s his rightful place.”

“It’snot.”

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