Page 99 of Sky High Obsession

“Your parents and Keely.”

“We need to have a serious conversation about the things you feel you need to protect me from, Zach.But first, please tell me what the hell is going on,” she’d demanded.

Fury had pulsed from him as his jaw clenched.“Time to bring this thing to an end.”

Now, Bethany watched him pace his living room, his cellphone glued to his ear, and her insides churned.

The whole flight home, he’d kept her in his sights as if she would disappear the moment he looked away.The terror in his eyes when he’d read the message would live with her forever.

It hadn’t been terror born of guilt.It had been terror that the simple text message would drive her away once and for all.

His eyes had tracked her as he’d called his lawyer, his demands uncompromising.After he’d finished, they’d dressed, packed and headed to the airport.

It was a testament to Zach’s power and influence that he’d had a private plane fueled and waiting by the time Philip had driven them onto the tarmac.

For a tiny moment, she feared what he would do to the person who’d sent her the texts messages.

“The meeting’s in half an hour.Would you like something to eat?Or to take a shower?”he asked, that probing look fixed on her.

She didn’t feel much like eating.And she didn’t think her stomach could hold any food, seeing as it performed a triple somersault each time she thought of what lay ahead.“I could use a bathroom.”

He nodded, came over and took her hand, the apprehensive look still lurking in his eyes.“I’ll show you where it is.”

The bedroom he led her to was suspended over a shallow cliff, the view so breathtaking she froze for a second.“Do you like it?”

Just like in Italy, his gaze searched her as he questioned her.She nodded.“The view is amazing.And this place… it feels like a home.”

He nodded thoughtfully and pointed to the glass door to the side of the room.

Bethany washed quickly, dug her toothbrush from her purse and ran it over her teeth.Then she re-knotted her hair and adjusted the sleeve of the light blue jacket she’d worn over her white summer dress.

Zach was waiting outside when she emerged, feeling a little less travel worn.

“We need to leave now.”

She nodded, her heart jumping into her throat.She would know Zach’s deepest, darkest secret before nightfall.Zach Savage wasn’t prone to making irrational judgments, and as Philip drove them towards the offices of Reed, Reed & Clintons, she reiterated to herself that whatever that secret was, they would work through it together.

Stanley Reed personally met them in the vast, artistically designed foyer and led them to a plush conference room.Introductions were made.

The portly man’s gaze was speculative, but his ingrained discretion won over his curiosity.

“Are they here?”

Stanley nodded.“They arrived ten minutes ago.”

Zach’s face grew taut and unreadable and renewed tension bristled through him.

“Let’s get this over with.”

“I’ve drawn up all the necessary papers.All we have to do is convince them to go ahead with what we proposed.”

“They have no choice.They won’t like the alternative.”The dark threat was unmistakable.

Stanley’s gaze darted back to her before he stood.Zach remained seated, his breathing choppy.“Give us a minute, Stanley.”

His attorney nodded and left.

Zach raised bleak, anguished eyes to her and her fear for them tripled.“Bethany…”