Page 118 of Savage Promises

I keep my face even because I have no idea what the hell Garrett is talking about. Only,Inever read my prenup. Kai Powers,myfucking lawyer drew it up.

I’ll deal with that fucker later.

“I’m not cheating on Lennox, and she wouldn’t want some big payout if I did. This is all about you.”

“The money isn’t for Lennox,” Garrett’s voice breaks through the roaring in my ears. “It’s for Neve. You basically left her at the altar. And my father is in debt. He may marry her off to someone else. With her volleyball career over, she’s just a burden to him. I’m protecting my little sister. You’re a family man, Shane. You’d do the same.”

I grab Garrett by the throat, the chair testing its springs. “I’d never let my sister get into this situation to begin with.”

“Maybe notyou.” Garrett smiles sarcastically. “Do you think I forgot how Ewan tried to force Siobhan to marry Kieran O’Rourke?”

I clench my fists, my entire body vibrating with rage. “Exactly. That wasn’t me. That was Ewan. And that was a long time ago. We’re in the here and now. I’m married toyour sister. By choice. Lennox and I are making our marriage work.”

“Is she really, though?” Garrett asks through a grimy smile. “She knew about this. Greenlighted me to go ahead.”

My anger twists into something darker. “Bullshit.”

Garrett shrugs, like this is all a game. “She met with my father and me, told me to set you up. She wants out, Shane. She doesn’t like that she was your second choice.”

Choice? I had no fucking choice. But my heart lurches in my chest. For some stupid fucking reason, for this one moment, I believe Garrett that Lennox knew about this. That’s why she’s been so cold and distant.

Shewantsout of the marriage.

And this is how she does it?

I’m dizzy with anger and heartache. The betrayal cuts deep, but I force myself to focus.

“I’ll deal with my wife,” I say, my voice ice-cold. “And Neve is going to whatever college she wants.I’lltake care of it. Me.”

Without waiting for a response, I storm out of the office. Back in my car, I call Kai Powers.

“Shane,” the lawyer answers, sounding surprised to hear from me so late. “What can I do for you?”

“Draw up divorce papers. Right now. I want out of my marriage. Prepare a check for Lennox. Make it a hefty settlement.”

“Shane, what the hell?” Kai’s sharp reply reeks of judgment he has no business casting on me.Hemade me sign a prenup with a clause that got me into this mess in the first place.

“Don’t make me tell you again,” I bite out. “I’ll be in your office in one hour to pick up the divorce papersandthe check.”

Kai spits out a stuttering gasp. “Shane,whatis goingon?”

“Just do it!” I snap. “And I need you to get Neve Donnelly into USC.” I recall her clamoring on about the place. “Now. Early acceptance. Get her out of Astoria. Arrange everything. The flight, housing, meals, tuition. Whatever it takes.”

I hang up and spend the longest hour of my life driving around the city. The wet streets from a recent rainstorm leave a fresh smell in the warm June air, but my heart is stale and dark. I spend the hour replaying every conversation with Lennox in my head, looking for the clues I missed.

When I arrive at Kai’s office,Griffinis waiting for me. His arms are crossed in front of his broad chest and his face is set in a grim line.

“Care to tellmewhat the hell is going on?” my brother demands.

Fucking Kai pulled rank. I sit down and tell them everything. Garrett’s stunt, Richard’s debts, and Neve being in danger of a harsh new marriage deal to settle those debts.

When I’m done, I glare at Kai. “You put a fucking cheating clause in my prenup?”

Griffin squeezes Kai’s shoulders. “I told him to put it in there originally for the marriage to Neve. You’re a cunning bastard, Shane. I needed to ensure you’d stay married, fulfill the promise of pureblood heirs. Did you not read it before you signed?”

“Kai’s my fucking lawyer, too. I trusted him. How dare you not trust me! You know me, you know I don’t cheat.”

Griffin shoves his hands into jogger pockets. “So, you didn’t cheat with that waitress?”

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