Page 85 of Playing A Risk
“Jonah told me about the legal contracts you have on file with Efron Worldwide pertaining to me getting fired and suing the company. Do you think I’m going to get fired?”
Damn, Jonah.
I glance over my shoulder at the door to give myself time to think. “We should go back inside and discuss this. It’s cold out here.”
“That’s fine, but answer me first. Did you put those documents in place because you think I’m going to lose my job?”
I step to her. “I put them in place because there’s more at stake than you know. It has nothing to do with believing that you’ll get fired. It’s a precaution. That’s it.”
“Hunter, promise me you don’t think my job is in jeopardy.”
“With five board members backing you, I don’t think we’ll have a problem changing your clause. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“Then why go to those extremes?”
I gesture to the door. “Let’s go inside and discuss this. It’s freezing, and I don’t want you to get sick. Besides, I have something I need to show you.”
As I say it, the wind picks up. I run my hands over her arms and then guide her inside. The warmth from the bustling crowd instantly blankets us.
“Come with me and I’ll explain everything.” I take her hand and lead her behind a curtain to an opera-style balcony that overlooks the dance floor of the event.
She steps in first and immediately goes to the edge. The venue is dimly lit, but we can clearly see the people below dancing in the warm orange glow.
My heart rate ticks up, but I stop to take her in. This could be the end for us, so I selfishly take my time.
I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “It’s magical being in Paris with you while we bring in the New Year.”
She turns to face me, resting her palms on my chest. “It is, but before we do any more celebrating, please tell me everything. You said there’s more at stake, so don’t keep me in the dark.”
“My intention has always been to tell you everything. That’s why we’re here.” I take her hands in mine, the blood coursing wildly in my veins. “As much as I’d like to say you know everything about me, there’s more you need to know.”
“Is it about my contract?”
“No. It’s nothing like that.” I stare into her eyes as a few beats pass. “You know Ava was blackmailing me, but the embezzlement issue wasn’t the only thing she was holding over my head. That came after. What started it in the first place was something I did.”
“Is it worse?”
My stomach tightens.
“That’s up to you to determine. Come over here and I’ll show you.” I lead Dorothy to the edge of the balcony.
She looks up at me, tripping a little over her feet as she approaches the ledge. “You mean she’s been holding something over you and it’s here at this party?”
“It is.” I peek over the railing and stare at an area near the side of the room.
Dorothy’s eyes flit around the room until she follows my gaze. There’s a group of young teenage boys checking out a group of girls about their age.
A glamorous Helena approaches the boys. She addresses Jack. His back is to us, but he turns and comes into full view as she speaks. It takes Dorothy no less than five seconds to notice him.
My heavy stare goes to her. I offer a gentle, guilt-ridden sigh. “We need to talk about where this thing between us is going. I know how much Jamison hurt you by not telling you about his son.
“That brings me to what I need to share with you. I’ll understand if what you discover tonight ends it for us, but I want you to have all the information before you decide.”
I can see the information spinning in her mind, filling in the blanks: the teenage boy who resembles me, Jamison not telling her about his son, and being blackmailed by Ava since I was young.
Dorothy’s eyes close, and she shakes her head. She takes a moment of silence.
Her eyelids open and confusion sweeps over her expression. “Hunter, is that boy down there your son?”
