Page 248 of The Reluctant Hero

“I love you,” he mumbles weakly. “That won’t ever stop, no matter how many mistakes we make. I can’t let you go. I won’t.”

The promise combined with a threat sounds perfect, but I can’t say it back to him. Instead, I shift to kiss him over his heart. It seems to be enough because he relaxes with a deep sigh.

52

So

Cade

The day passes too slowly for me. For one useless reason.

I want to see Amanda.

She’s been in the gym with Mikael, and if his day goes anything like Ace’s, they’re having sex.

I’m jealous about it. Seeing Ace yesterday with his burdens undone had my teeth grinding. He looked at peace for the first time since I’ve known him. I wanted to knock his teeth out over it. I don’t think it would be as much of an issue if I were included in the roster she’s starting. The way she looks at me right now says that day might never come.

I deserve it; I know that. Just as much as I deserve the bruising over my ribs. I didn’t fight Ace when he lost it on me for taking his phone. I accepted everything he gave because I broke inside at the thought of her betraying us.

My cell phone rings, startling me out of my wandering thoughts. Everyone in the at-home office glances over at me as they stop what they’re discussing. Probably something I should have been paying attention to.

What has happened to me?

I glance at the number and frown at the display. Unknown with no number or state listed.

“Answer it,” Jake leans over to read the same thing I am. I nudge him away in irritation and do.

“Hello, Cade.”

My brows furrow at the familiar voice.

“Blue?” I ask, glancing at Jake again. “How did you get this number?”

“I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?”

It looks like my question won’t get answered. I put it on speaker and say, “I’d like to not have any news.”

“Too bad,” he says blandly.

“What is it?” Gabe pipes up from the head of the table. He’s on his laptop, looking for invoices leading to the properties held by shell companies to track back to people.

“Hey, Junior,” Blue says without missing a beat. “Matthias senior is in town for a reason, and you aren’t it. That’s the good news.”

“I’m assuming there’s a bad news?” He leans back in his chair and loosens his tie.

“Yeah. A team has been taking jobs on the side and he’s tracked them here. A cleanup crew is on the way to our location.”

“Shit,” Ace shakes his head.

“While he’s here, he can take all the plants inside the company home with him,” Jake shrugs, focusing on his laptop again.

“You wish,” Blue replies with a sigh.

“Who has been hiring them?” I have a sick feeling in my gut that says I already know.

“Unknown source. The rumors we’ve heard say the bad seeds are pissed. They did a few jobs and didn’t get paid.”

I look at Jake, our minds in sync.

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