Page 19 of Ruthless Redemption

I scoop and swallow, keeping my composure in check, playing the game.

“You will forgive me.” His declaration is barely audible and still has the ability to raise the hair on the back of my neck. “I won’t stop until you do.”

I shiver, the warmth of his coat doing nothing to shield me from the chilling effects of his commitment.

Why did he have to be the devil? Why couldn’t I find a normal man to fall for?

“I’ve upheld my part of the deal.” I place my fork down. “Now can I get my phone call?”

I meet his gaze, being hit hard with emotionless eyes. Even sterile and impassive, he’s handsome. So goddamn handsome it makes the contents of my stomach churn. It doesn’t help that I’m cloaked in his scent, the deliciously woodsy aftershave sinking into my lungs with every breath.

“One phone call.” He slides the cell toward me. “While in this room.”

I scoff. “You think I’m capable of calling reinforcements? Who could I possibly rely on that hasn’t turned against me?”

“Stay in this room, Layla.”

I wait until his hand retreats, then grab the device and push to my feet. I don’t waste time dialing Stella’s number as I walk alongside the wall of glass, Matthew’s jacket dwarfing me.

Each trilling ring makes my heart swell with anticipation. My throat burns with the need to hear her voice. But I can’t let her know I’m broken. I won’t put her through more heartache. Despite Matthew being a voyeur to the upcoming conversation as he begins to clear the table, I have to pretend my life is peachy. That I’m loving my beach escape with a crazed butcher.

“Hello?” Stella says in greeting. “Who is this?”

Emotion clogs my throat. “Hey, little fish.” I force a chipper tone, my bravado painfully flawless. “How are you?”

“Mom? Whose phone number is this? I’ve been trying to call you. Uncle Cole said you went on a last-minute vacation and might not have cell service. But I call bullshit. You wouldn’t go away without telling me. You didn’t even send a text.”

“Don’t curse, sweetheart.” I close my eyes against the anxiety in her voice. I’ve failed her for the millionth time. “Uncle Cole was right. I made a snap decision to go to the beach but I lost my phone at the airport and the cell service here is terrible. I haven’t been able to call until now. Is everything all right?”

“Everything is fine. It’s just not like you to go radio silent for days. I was worried.”

I scrunch my nose against the building tingle. “Forgive me. I’ve been having such a great time that I didn’t realize how many days had passed.”

It’s been four. I could determine the last time we spoke right down to the hour. But she needs to think I’m happy and healthy. Not humiliated and vengeful.

“Who did you go away with?” she asks. “Last time I came home from boarding school, Tobias overheard Uncle Cole talking about a man you met. Are you dating?”

Pain stabs between my ribs, savage and cruel. “No, we’re just friends.”

“Are you sure? Because I don’t mind.” She pauses, the silence heavy between us. “It’s been years since Dad passed.”

I clamp the cell tighter. “I know. But that’s not what this is. I’ve been going stir crazy at home and just needed a change of scenery. Has anything exciting happened at school this week?”Deflect, deflect, deflect. “Are you keeping on top of your homework?”

“Nothing has changed here. Some of my friends were actually about to watch a movie together in the hall… so I’ve kinda gotta go.”

My misery increases with every shallow breath. “Already?”

The clatter of bowls and cutlery carries from the kitchen behind me. Pots and pans follow. It’s scripted, as if Matthew wants me to believe he’s distracted and not devouring every morsel of my anguish.

“I don’t want to miss the start, Mom. Can we chat tomorrow?”

The clog in my throat becomes a jagged rock, threatening to take over my stable tone. “I’ll try. But like I mentioned, cell service isn’t great here. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to speak to you again.” I don’t know whenhe’lllet me.

“That’s fine. As long as I know you’re okay and having fun, I don’t mind. Call whenever you can.”

“Okay. Enjoy yourself. And say hello to Tobias for me.” I hang my head and pinch the bridge of my nose.

“I will. I promise.”

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