Page 139 of The Catalyst

His lips turn down, and his eyebrows furrow as his expression turns serious. “It was because I chose you. I’ll always choose you, crazy girl.”

My heart squeezes, and I nearly cry from the loving nature of his words, but then I hear a slow clap through the room, an echo following.

“Isn’t that just the sweetest? Who knew you were such a softie, cousin?”

My attention is ripped from Oliver, and my eyes turn to the door where a bruised Martin Gray leans against the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Martin,” I sigh with relief, seeing that it’s just him.

He smirks, but based on the bruises covering his face, it must be painful. “Hey, little rabbit. How are you feeling?” He walks over and takes my free hand.

“Like I was hit by a truck and had a bucket of ice water dumped on me while in a tornado,” I joke dryly and he smirks.

“I’m so sorry.” He frowns, guilt across his face. “I hope you know that the accident was completely unintentional. I didn’t see you coming until it was too late.”

My eyes narrow. “No? Why would I think that?”

“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t because O’Reilly sure as fuck did. He seemed to think I drove you off the road on purpose.”

I can conceive of a few reasons why Nigel would think that. After all, he knows about Casey and everything she told me. If Martin knew I was the one who got Casey out of Grove Hill, I’d expect a negative reaction, but running me off the road is a little too far.

“He’s a fucking idiot to think that. He just let his emotions cloud his judgment,” Oliver growls.

Martin turns his eyes to Oliver, completely unfazed. “That’s because he doesn’t know me the way you guys do, but he can’t blame his current circumstance on me. I didn’t press charges against him.”

“If you didn’t press charges, who did?” I ask, genuinely confused, but I don’t expect Martin to give me a stern look.

“Don’t push this,” he warns.

Instantly, I sit up, pressing my hand against the sore spot on the back of my neck as I glare at him. “Push it? He’s in jail. He could be facing life in prison!”

“And if you push it, you’ll make it worse for him and yourself. My father has no idea that you mean anything to O’Reilly and I’m trying to keep it that way. Keep your fucking head down and wait for him to cool off. Then, I can work on getting him to release O’Reilly.”

Oliver huffs. “Of course, it’s your father. It has his grimy fingerprints all over it.”

“Yeah, my cousin can tell you all about how much trouble he can make for O’Reilly. This is the last time I’ll warn you. Do not intervene. I’ll handle this. Just be patient.”

“How patient am I expected to be?” I ask, irritation laced in my voice.

“A year, maybe two.”

My eyes bug out of my head. “Two years?!” I’m pregnant. I can’t just sit around waiting for Martin to make good on his promise.

“My father has a horrible temper. He holds onto grudges and likes to hit those he’s mad at where it hurts. For O’Reilly, that’s you, and most people in this town know it. Keep your fucking head down and bepatient.” He turns and strolls toward the door.

I can’t do that. I can’t just sit here and do nothing while who knows what is happening to Nigel. I know he’s probably not scared or freaked out, but I will be until I know he’s okay and out of jail.

“Martin?” He turns and quirks a brow in question. “Why were you driving like that? Your car was swerving, too.”

A smirk rises across his face. “So was yours, but if you must know, I was looking for Casey. She’s been missing, and I don’t know where she is. I’m worried.” His eyes narrow pensively before he gulps down his pride. “If you happen to see her, can you tell her that I’m looking for her and that I’ll support her? She’ll know what I mean.”

Hell, I know what he means. He’s talking about her pregnancy. I feel terrible about it, but I can't help him.

We both have secrets we’re keeping from each other regarding Casey. He has no idea that I know about her pregnancy.

She was specific when she said she didn’t want anyone to know where she was going. Her safety and the safety of her unborn babies depend on my silence.

That fucking kills me. He has a right to know and I hate lying to him.

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