Page 87 of The Obvious Check

“How much do you owe him?” I keep my voice steady, even though every instinct is screaming at me to hunt that bastard down and end him.

She stutters before answering. “I-I don't know exactly. He just… tells me when I've worked some of it off.”

Motherfucker.

I knew it. The piece of shit is keeping her on a leash, dangling freedom like a carrot she'll never reach. Pure manipulation, and my sweet Savannah walked right into his trap.

I breathe through my nose, trying to sound calmer than I feel. “That's complete bullshit, Savannah.”

She flinches at my bluntness. Fuck. So much for restraint.

“He's stringing you along, baby. He'll never let you go until you make him.”

Her gaze drops to her coffee, and I watch her fold into herself. The last thing I want is to sound harsh, but sometimes the truth hurts before it heals.

“What choice do I have? Until I pay him back, I'm stuck.”

“No.” My voice is steel. “You're not. Give me a few days and I'll handle it before he expects you back. That's a promise.”

She squeezes my hand and looks up at me with a smile. “Gosh, you’re taking the role of fiancé seriously, aren’t you?”

“Of course. I’ve made a commitment to you, Sav. I intend on keeping it. This is just one of ourlogisticalpoints. It needs to be figured out, but it’s in no way a deal breaker.”

I lean in, closing the small gap between us, our breath mixing as my lips hover just above hers. My fingers graze the back of her neck, my thumb brushing along her jawline, coaxing her closer.

She meets me halfway, kissing me slow and deliberate, and when she pulls back, she whispers, “Thank you, Cade. Since I won't see you tonight, will you walk me to class?”

“Always. You know I'd follow you to the ends of the earth.”

Her smile is softer this time as she pushes back from the counter. “Perfect. I just need to get ready.”

I watch her retreat to the bedroom, my eyes shamelessly devouring the sway of her hips and the curve of her perfect ass. She disappears behind the door, leaving me with the same thought that's been consuming me since last night.

I will destroy Luke's hold on her. Whatever it fucking takes.

Chapter 21

I tap my phone against the kitchen counter, trying to psych myself up for this call. I still can’t believe I’m actually doing this. After years of feeling like getting Adley back was impossible, I’m finally in a position to try.

Stanley trots over and plops down beside the barstool, his big, dark eyes locked on me like he knows I’m working through something. I lean down and scratch behind his ears. “I know, bud. You want a walk, and I promise I’ll take you in just a second.”

My fingers tremble as I bite my bottom lip and dial my old social worker’s number. It rings and my heart pounds harder with each second that passes. It’s been six years since I last saw Adley in person. Six years since we were separated, and there’s a real possibility I can change that.

The call connects. “Hello, this is Fern McKinley.”

I take a steadying breath. “Hi, Fern. It’s Savannah Barnett.” I try to keep my voice even and professional since I need to give off the vibe that I have my life together and can take care of a teenager.

“Savannah! It’s so good to hear from you. How long’s it been?”

“Um, about a year.” I cringe just thinking about when it started going wrong, and instead of admitting I was in trouble, I just worked for Luke, hoping it would figure itself out.

“Wow. How are things? Are you still in California?”

I glance around the apartment and the first real home I’ve had in years. Cade’s hockey gear is piled in the corner, a sign that this space isn’t just mine. It’s ours. Two bedrooms with a clean, safe place where Adley could finally belong.

“Things are great, actually,” I say, my voice growing steadier. “I’m still in California and I’m studying economics at Covey U. Really enjoying it.”

“Well, that’s fantastic to hear. I know it was tough on you for a while. I’m glad you’ve been able to see it through.”

---