Page 74 of Worth the Risk

Surprise bolted through me. ‘Did you?’

‘A memo crossed my desk along those lines. But I’m not here to check it out.’ His eyes shadowed. ‘Not just yet anyway.’

‘Then should you be here at all?’ I blurted.

All trace of humour left his face. ‘I see you’re informed. Well, partially anyway.’

‘Partially?’ I parroted.

‘There are many sides to a story, Leonora. Don’t organise the plank walk yet until I’ve had a chance to say my piece, would you?’

‘What makes you think I’m interested?’

That unique Mortimer smile made another faint appearance. ‘You are. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact I’m happy to see he has you on his side. Maybe it’ll make this easier.’ His face grew solemn. ‘Take me to him, please. I’m done waiting on Aunt Flo to talk him into it. This has gone on too bloody long.’ He stepped closer and crooked a finger under my chin. ‘And if you’re worried about the fallout, you have my word I’ll make this as—’

‘What the fuck are you doing here?’ Gideon’s voice was a naked blade slashing through the air.

Damian froze, his gaze growing haunted as it flicked over my left shoulder.

‘Gideon—’

‘Did you hear me?’

‘I heard you. I haven’t gone deaf in the last three years.’

‘That’s a shame,’ Gideon responded cruelly.

Damian’s wince was barely perceptible but I caught it. ‘We need to talk.’

‘No. You need to take your fucking hand off her before I break it.’

Damian’s hand jerked away from my chin as if I’d burned him, and when his eyes met mine there was a hint of apology in them.

Acrimony, thick and volatile, infused the air, trapping us in place. When it grew too much to bear I stumbled to where Gideon stood frozen in the doorway.

‘I’ll let you two talk.’

Gideon moved directly in front of me, blocking my path. ‘What did he say to you?’ he demanded in a voice I barely recognised.

‘Nothing important. But he’s here for you.’

‘No, he’s not. He’s leaving. Right now.’

Damian merely smiled at the callous dismissal and strolled towards Gideon. ‘You plan on throwing me overboard? Because that’s the only way you’re getting rid of me.’

‘Don’t tempt me.’

I attempted to slide past Gideon again. He curled his fingers around my wrist.

‘Let me go,’ I whispered.

‘No,’ he growled under his breath. ‘This is bullshit and I don’t have time for it.’

About to ask whether he meant Damian, or me, I swallowed my words when Aunt Flo appeared behind Gideon. ‘You two are going to be the death of me.’

Gideon swung an accusing glance her way. ‘You knew he was coming.’

‘Yes.’

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