Page 84 of Power Switch

“Um, I guess Jessica's been more of a handful lately.” Randi's dark brows bolt up her forehead. “I'm not sure what's gotten into her, but it's fine. Nothing I can't handle and keep pushing back on.” I think back through the past few months. “My mother is pushing me to set a date for a true engagement party, one that will be thrown by her and Jessica's mother.” I feel the deep line form between my brows. “I snuck a cigarette last week.” Raising my shoulders, I press my lips together and give her my best “not sure what you're looking for” look.

A quick breeze sends her dark hair floating across her face. After tucking it behind her ear, she turns and starts walking again.

“Good to know about Jessica and your mom. Hopefully we can get all this wrapped up before you have to commit to a date for the engagement party.” Those last two words are said with bitterness engulfing her tone. “And the cigarette, fine, that means I get to sneak one too. What else, Trouble?”

“Just tell me what you're looking for, Mess, and I'll tell you, but I honestly have no idea what you're wanting me to say.”

“T told me about your plan.”

“My plan to… what? Need to be more specific here. I have a lot of crazy plans that I toss out to him but never come to fruition.”

“About going back to that evil woman who birthed you and digging yourself deeper into her fucked-up plot to take over the world all to learn how Shawn is still getting to me.” Her tone is angry, and a dash of hurt bleeds through with each word.

I pull to a stop, tugging on her hand for her to pause too. With another sharp tug, I tuck her against my chest and rest my chin on top of her head. I love holding her like this. Feeling her small frame wrapped in mine. Protecting her from anything that would cause her harm. But doesn’t she see that's exactly what I'm trying to do with going back to Mother for answers? Everything is for her.

“Ah, that plan,” I try to joke as I take a deep inhale of her cherry-and-vanilla-scented hair.

“Yeah, that one,” she grumbles into my chest, tickling the skin beneath my Dryfit T-shirt.

I relax my hold enough to stroke two fingers up and down her spine. Staring off into the thick cluster of trees, I try to pretend everyone can't hear our conversation from their close proximity.

“You're right,” I admit. “I should've talked to you considering how badly the last agreement with her went.” I cringe at the reminder of what Mother pulled. I've always known she's a manipulating opportunist, but holding aggravated assault charges over your son’s head just for him to do your bidding is over the top. We still don't know how she knew about the altercation with that bastard in Boone, Texas, Randi's hometown, but she does, and she sure as hell jumped on the opportunity to use it to her advantage.

“If we're going to make this work, then we have to be honest with each other.”

I nod, my chin popping lightly against the crown of her head.

“I asked Vlad for information on her, your mother. And Jessica if he can find it.”

Shock halts any response I could've come up with. Wrapping my fingers around her slim shoulder, I push us apart an inch. Looking down, I wait until she focuses up on me.

“And you didn't think that was something we should discuss together?”

Now it's her turn to look confused.

“Mess.” I sigh. My fingers slide through the longer portion of my hair as I try to gather my thoughts. Damn, she's so innocent. “You know every favor comes with strings.”

The line between her brows deepens. “I’m already asking for help with obtaining the information on Kyle. What’s one more favor when so many are stacking up anyway?”

Reaching up, she grips my T-shirt and curls her fingers into tight fists.

“I'm done with you being the only one sacrificing bits of yourself, Trey Benson. What’s done is done—”

The vibrating of my phone in my pocket stops her from continuing. As soon as it stops, it starts back up again.

“Need to get that?”

I sigh, knowing full well who it’ll be. Reaching inside my shorts pocket, I slide the thin device out and hold the screen up so Randi can see.

Her eyes widen. “That's the fourth call you've missed.” Once again, the phone shakes in my hand as Jessica tries calling for a fifth time. “Answer it and put it on speakerphone.”

I groan but do it anyway. I glance across the small clearing to where Tank stands and send him a helpless look. My best friend just holds up his hands palms out and shakes his head, smiling.

Fucker.

I mouth just as much his way as I slide my thumb across the glass screen and hit the speakerphone button.

“What do you want, Jessica?” I say, letting the exhaustion from the last hour seep into my weary voice.

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