Page 55 of Ruin My Life
“But there’s a change of plans,” I say, cutting off wherever that train of thought is headed. “Bring her laptop and phone back here with you. Don’t waste time hacking into her network.”
Lee hesitates. “You sure that’s a good idea?”
No.Not even close.
But I trust her.
Not blindly. Not completely. But enough to believe she tried already.
Brie doesn’t half-ass anything—especially if it’s related to her revenge. And if Lee, the most obsessive codebreaker I know, says she’s one of the best he’s ever seen?
That tells me we won’t get much further than she did.
“She’s got a program that she thinks can narrow down whoever contacted her. We let her use it. We watch her while she works.”
Monroe’s voice cuts back in, closer now than he was a minute ago. “And what does she get in return?”
I pause.
Monroe’s not just asking because he’s curious. He’s reminding me what kind of line I’m about to cross.
“If she gives us the name,” I say, “I’ll let her go.”
There’s a beat of silence.
Then Monroe scoffs.
“She’s going to make aboludoout of you.”
I ignore him—even though the words sit like lead in my gut. “Call me when you’re on your way back.”
“Will do,” Lee replies, and the line drops.
I toss my phone onto the desk and drag a hand down my face.
Monroe’s not wrong. If anyone else had hacked into my system—come out withhalfthe information she did—I wouldn’t have hesitated. They’d already been routeto the pig farm. No questions asked.
This isn’t like me.
I don’t do weaknesses. I don’t leave loose ends—especially not ones that threaten everything I’ve built.
But Brianna… she’s not just a threat.
She’s a storm I never saw coming.
I can’t get her out of my head.
The fire in her eyes. The way she looks at me like she’s daring me to break her—or to try, at least.
She doesn’t beg. She doesn’t tremble.
She bites back with sharpened teeth.
And it’s been a long time since someone made mefeelanything other thanin control.
I rake my fingers through my hair and curse under my breath.
I should get rid of her. Now.Yesterday.
